Our story

For thirty-five years there has been the same shop behind the same door in London. Emily and Charlotte opened it in 1991 — two sisters, one sewing machine inherited from their mother, and a single rule for what went on the rail: would you wear it yourself?

They never moved. Same window, same floorboards, same rule, through thirty-five years of fashion changing its mind. Women who came in for a school-run coat came back years later for their daughter's wedding.

Earlier this year we were told the building had been sold and our lease would not be renewed. We spent weeks looking at other units. Everything within reach was twice the rent, and none of it was our shop. After thirty-five years in one room, moving somewhere else and calling it the same thing was not something we could do. So we are closing it instead.

Everything is going. The whole archive our founders spent three decades choosing, up to 70% off, until the rails are empty. When a size is gone it is gone — we are not ordering more.

Olivia, Emily's daughter, grew up on the floor of that shop between the rolls of fabric. She is the one packing your order.

Thank you for thirty-five years.

— Emily&Charlotte