Because there’s no place quite like the Great British high street – from its niche independents, to seasonal Pop Ups and those expansive yet elegant department stores – Because Magazine is on a mission to champion the bricks-and-mortar of London in all its glory. Each week, we’ll beeline to the rails of our favourite retailers to scope out the must-have pieces and in-store exclusives that are more than worth making an effort for.


This week, we’re at Mouki Mou – where Founder, Maria Lemos, is introducing us to the standout pieces of Marylebone's chicest independent.

 

What… Natural vicuña v-round neck sweater by Knitbrary.

Because… "Knitbrary is one of the young brands that we really love and would love to cherish. Run by a Spanish couple, Pedro and Yolanda, it was started with hand-knitted jumpers by artisans in Peru; recently, they’ve also introduced super fine knits for Spring/Summer seasons, which are just divine! This vicuña jumper is one of the very special pieces we have in store now. 

Vicuña is the finest fibre in the world. The total global supply of vicuña wool produced annually that can be transformed into yarn is only about 12 tonnes, compared to approximately 25,000 tonnes of cashmere – hence the £3,700 price tag. Loro Piana is the biggest supplier of vicuña, and Knitbrary – whose studio is in Peru – has managed to get hold of some of the best of the material and made six sweaters. We are very lucky to have one of them."



What… Check Band Hand Bag in patent calf by Isaac Reina.

Because… "Isaac Reina is one of the designers we absolutely love and adore. He was born in Barcelona and originally studied architecture before he started his career in fashion. He has taken leather accessories to another level and the quality is just impeccable: His designs would be seen as minimalism at its finest at first, however the structures and constructions are incredibly thorough and complicated. For a small company like his, it is not easy to compete in the world full of handbags from luxury fashion houses – all of which offer customers very obvious, easy options of 'It' bags. However, they cannot beat the quality and sophisticated designs of Isaac Reina. 

We especially love the patent bag from him this season, which has a very elegant shape with a fun element of patent."



What... 
Leather Bowl 'Slice of Life' by Junsu Kim.

Because... "Junsu Kim is a Korean artist who initially studied metal art and moved on to honing his skills in leather after he was exposed to leather crafts and fascinated by the material. 

His leather works are made of thin leather strings and they almost look like something made of wood – you would not guess that they are made of leather until you’d see them up close. We have never seen anything like them before and immediately fell in love with how he handles and shapes leather."

Support bricks and mortar: Head to Mouki Mou at 29 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, W1U 7PJ