My favorite hidden gem on King's Road
A U.K-based brand that sent me spinning into my creative genius.
Back in November, I stepped into Rixo's flagship store on King's Road in London, expecting nothing more than a brief escape from the winter cold. The moment I walked in, I was immediately enveloped in its bright, elegant vintage aesthetic, delighted by its warmth, charm, and unexpected surprises at every turn.
The first thing I noticed was a coffee kiosk at the entrance. To my left was a beautifully curated retail enclave; to my right, an atelier waiting to be discovered. At the heart of it all was an iconic cocktail bar, surrounded by palm trees, serving as a striking focal point. As I moved toward the back of the store, I came across an intimate bridal suite, brushed with a much softer palette of colors. I would eventually learn that the store also features a mezzanine level dedicated to wholesale buying appointments. What didn’t this store have?
Visiting Rixo remains one of the most memorable and immersive retail experiences I’ve ever had. It was complete with defining moments and stunning vignettes that kept me in a constant state of excitement and unexpected discovery.
As I explored the space, I struck up a conversation with one of the employees, who shared that Rixo also hosts events. That week, in particular, they were featuring a podcaster. The brand strategist in me immediately recognized that Rixo was more than garments. They were reimagining and investing in the shopping experience, cultivating a community, and staying culturally relevant. The lightbulbs in my head were going off left, right, and center.
For the past two years, I worked as a consultant-in-residence for a real estate developer, collaborating with their Experience team. During this time, we explored the world of immersive and experiential retail—where shopping is more than just shopping, and retail spaces double as venues for private events, brand experiences, and activations. Walking into Rixo felt like seeing all of those best practices come to life in real time.
At Rixo, people could shop, sip cocktails, visit the atelier, enjoy a cup of coffee, or explore curated vintage pieces, all within a beautifully designed, multi-layered experience.
Before visiting, I knew almost nothing about this U.K.-based brand. But after leaving the store that Wednesday night in November, I knew Rixo was special. That evening, back in my hotel room, I did some digging only to find that Rixo’s origin story was just as compelling as my in-store experience.
Founded by best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, this vintage-inspired clothing brand began in their university flat. What stood out to me even more was their commitment to craftsmanship. Each design features hand-painted prints and is made from high-quality materials for real women. As I dug deeper, I discovered they even had a home decor brand, along with #humansofrixo, an online community they’ve cultivated, reaffirming my initial thesis: Rixo cares deeply about community. I also learned that Orlagh McCloskey’s twin sister, Gemma McCloskey, is the founder of Cupla, the interior design studio behind their stunning flagship store.
But the Rixo founders weren’t just creative—they were strategic innovators and risk-takers who defied industry trends. Think about it. Coming off the pandemic, when many were shying away from brick-and-mortar retail, Rixo doubled down—and it paid off. Between January and June 2023, the brand reported £19 million (US$23 million) in sales.
With three stores in London and one in New York, Rixo isn’t just selling clothing—they’re creating retail destinations, investing in every detail of their spaces with meticulous care. What I loved most is that they are proof that IRL shopping is back.
The creative genius within these spaces goes beyond the clothing. It’s in the furniture, the interior design, the overall experience. It was so enriching, it awoke something in me. Rixo was the reason I booked London—I just didn’t know it at the time. I was desperate for a change of scenery. I needed to be inspired. And walking through that store, experiencing this brand in all its glory, did just that.