Inside Stephen Webster's New London Flagship Boutique

Forbes

5 days ago

Stephen Webster at Burlington Arcade Stephen Webster
British luxury jewelry house Stephen Webster has moved homes this summer with the opening of its new flagship store in the historic Burlington Arcade, Mayfair.
Burlington Arcade x Stephen Webster Stephen Webster
Founded over 40 years ago, Stephen Webster MBE, Founder and Creative Director of his eponymous brand, designs with a balance of delicacy and impact, and this contrast is reflected in new boutique.
Over the decades, the label has built a reputation for master craftsmanship and infamous London attitude; it's a label that challenges convention, redefines modern luxury, and champions British design — making Burlington Arcade a fitting location.
On the decision to open within the historic, glass-roofed shopping arcade, a Mayfair landmark since it opened in 1819, Webster says, 'The Burlington Arcade is one of London's best quirky yet glorious icons. I have spent many years meandering its 190 yards covered passage, finding it impossible to blindly walk the walk without being distracted by the close proximity of the emporium of vast variety of luxury goods on display.' He continues, 'On one such sojourn I discovered the James Bond Goldfinger pop up boutique and bar. Complete with a golden toilet. I was sold. If it was good enough for Mr Bond, it was most definitely good enough for Mr Webster. Very soon we had signed a lease on our new home.'
Stephen Webster at Burlington Arcade Jack Elliot Edwards
The new boutique, which was designed in collaboration with Hollaway Studio, honors the Arcade's storied past while embracing Webster's contemporary design aesthetic. 'The ground floor is where we exhibit our current women's fine jewelry collections. Our kaleidoscopic window showcases are the result of a challenge we set to product designers: to create showcases as intriguing as the pieces on show. The motorcycle chain driven showpieces have become Instagram and TikTok favourites already.' Leading onto the first floor, Webster says, 'it's my inner sanctum, a place where the background stories to our collections can be told and consultations for our important bespoke service can be held, all in a space that has been curated specifically to feel like our home.'
Adding a personal touch, Stephen says, 'I love being part of the Arcade, my favourite thing to do is to lean out the window of my first floor living room and have a chat with Romi, (sat one floor below) who has been the Burlington shoe shine for the past 20 years and one of the characters who makes the community so special.'
Stephen Webster at Burlington Arcade Jack Elliot Edwards
Throughout the townhouse we see a mix of luxury, wit, and of course, Stephen's signature rock 'n' roll spirit via his artwork selection, by the likes of Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, and Antony Micallef. On the art curation, Webster says, 'we have hung artworks by artists who are all friends of mine and with whom we have long term associations, leading back to the first NoRegrets which became a gallery/showcase for artists, photographers, poets, chefs and musicians.'
On the ground floor visitors are greeted by a star piece in the form of a classic Tracey Emin neon piece which reads 'I Promise to Love You,' 'Tracey gave this piece to me because she said it belongs in a jewelry store, a place where people say 'I promise to love you.'
Stephen Webster at Burlington Arcade Jack Elliot Edwards
The Stephen adds, 'Other works include 'I Shit Diamonds' by Antony Micallef, a poem 'Solid Gold Geezer' by Dr John Cooper Clarke, a triptych by Damien Hirst, photographs by Amelia Troubridge, a target piece by Nicky & Rob Carter and 'Demons are Forever' by Harland Miller.'
Stephen Webster at Burlington Arcade Jack Elliot Edwards
Spanning four floors, Stephen says the 'townhouse format gave us a chance to showcase the brand in a way we had never been able to do before.' It also builds on brand favorites, as it comes complete with a naughty subterranean NoRegrets Lounge, a fully licensed bar and concept space where guests can sit back, sip on a martini, and explore the high jewelry and homeware collections.
Stephen Webster's No Regrets Lounge at Burlington Arcade Jack Elliot Edwards
'Our flagship store on Rodeo Drive in L.A. was split over two huge floors, and the top became the first manifestation of the NoRegrets Lounge. The second NoRegrets was our lounge and live music venue in Nashville,' shares Webster.
When it comes to the London location, 'This time around, the double basement of the Burlington Arcade space was perfect for us to create our first 'speakeasy' style NoRegrets Lounge, fully licensed and operated by legendary London bar man and mixologist, Nick Strangeway,' says Webster.
Stephen Webster's No Regrets Lounge at Burlington Arcade Jack Elliot Edwards
Expect a dimly lit space that showcases the men's line, homewares, and glassware, which just so happens to be used behind the bar. On the look and signature serves, 'The deep burgundy color scheme, velvet banquettes and vinyl collection provide the perfect Mayfair clandestine escape. The house signature drink is of my own creation: a 'Flight of Martini's' served on a flight tray - the three mini Martini's can be selected from our Martini menu.'
It's not only a martini mecca, 'We are also proud to be the only Mayfair stockist of the newly re-launched Double Diamond pale ale, as well as a selection of English sparkling wines from the exquisite Sugrue winery,' says Stephen.
Burlington Arcade x Stephen Webster Stephen Webster
To mark the the opening, the jeweler has taken over Burlington Arcade with an installation, entitled, 'The Jewel of Mayfair,' which includes a 170m long carpet running the length of the arcade, showcasing pieces from each chapter of Stephen Webster's 50 year career: Jewels Verne, Crystal Haze, Waltz of the Wild and Full Bleed, to name a few.
'It is a real pleasure to welcome Stephen Webster to Burlington Arcade — a name that epitomises bold British luxury and creative excellence. This partnership is especially meaningful as we continue to evolve as a retail destination where heritage meets innovation. Stephen's fearless jewellery designs and the introduction of the No Regrets Lounge bring a fresh energy to our historic halls.' He continues, 'We're proud to be home to a brand that shares our commitment to craftsmanship, individuality, and creating unforgettable experiences.'' Trupti Shah, Commercial Director, Burlington Arcade.
Address: Stephen Webster London Flagship Boutique, House 12-13 Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0ǪJ