Shopping in London: Mimi
Whilst I’ve posted about London-based designer Mimi Berry’s glorious leather purses in the past, her Cheshire Street shop deserves a full Wee Birdy tour. After all, this is the only place that houses the Central Saint Martins graduate’s entire collection, ranging from the perforated leather Maude coin purse to the luxe gold Frankie bag.
Offering an alternative to flashy trend-led “It bags”, the typical Mimi bag manages to appear simultaneously modern and retro. This is due both to Berry’s use of butter-soft Italian leather hide in a range of vibrant colours and her classic, timeless designs.
This modern/vintage aesthetic is played out in her East London shop, with her jewel-toned purses displayed on top of old-fashioned glass counters. But it’s her collection of sturdy, functional satchels that are getting all the attention right now, including the roomy oilskin Baggins (currently reduced from £177 to £150) and the smaller leather Elsie (£200). I’m also loving the Charlie bag with its smart brass chain straps.
Most recently, Berry collaborated with London artist Kim Jenkins on a range of leather passport covers. And while it’s true that nobody needs a leather passport cover, it’s very hard to resist Jenkins’ retro jetset-inspired foil stamped designs.
Which leads us to the extremely good timing of the Mimi sale – in store and online now. A perfectly good excuse to buy British, don't you think?
Mimi
40 Cheshire Street
London E2 6EH
Tel. 0207 729 6699
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 6pm
For more shops on Cheshire Street, click here.
