Will East London’s Hackney Become The New ‘Fashion Hub’ In Town?

The New London Fashion Hub – Hackney; Street style; India, 18 year old model; via waynetippetts.com

It comes to no surprise that East London has and will always be a synonym to art in all its forms, be it street, fashion, paintings, music etc. What better proof might one have than the street style over there or the hidden cool lofts designers live in (Christopher Kane or Giles Deacon used to live there). It’s Hackney! Underground, subversive, fun, colorful, gloomy, sunny, fashion forward, anti-fashion while being stylish and fashion all the way. It’s a hip area packed with all one might wish. All you need to do is explore it and let its street underground style wash over you.

Burberry Factory in Hackney; Hackney will be London’s ‘Fashion Hub’; photo via victoriaparkvillage.com

It was announced today Hackney will become London’s ‘Fashion Hub’! Yes you read that right. Apparently Hackney’s Council will spend £5 mil and will create 200 jobs, according to Financial Times, making Hackney the new Oxfordshire Shopping Center. Well… they are aiming to it becoming the next luxury shopping destination. Why? How come? Burberry Outlet Factory at Chatham Place – is guilty as charged. With the brand’s factory being a constant destination, and Pringle already taking over The Duke of Wellinghton pub’s place on Morning Lane – the area will be packed in no time with shops, coffees and restaurants. So the new retail spot to hit in London will be near Burberry close to Hackney overground station.

Hackney – London’s ‘Fashion Hub’; The Duke of Wellinghton Pub

I guess as long as the money is rolling and creating jobs and income in harsh times, there’s no reason to not salute such plans. What I fear though is for Hackney to lose its edge while becoming too posh, swarming with luxurious shops and restaurants that will make this underground destination loose its appeal. Or better yet its exact ingredient that has led to East London’s fame as an Artistic Hub, if you will! I know fashion is art, but are we not risking depriving this area of its substance by overly commercializing it? Optimistic as I am I shall think it’s a smart move… and about high-time one saw this place’s huge artistic/fashion potential! Right?

London, Hackney street style; photo via fussedmag.com

London Hackney street style; photo via unlimitedbyjk.com

London Hackney street style; photo via styleest.blogspot.com

London Hackney street style; photo via miista.com

Hackney, London, street art, photo via streetartlondon.co.uk

London, Hackney street style; photo via robertopiqueras.tumblr.com