Australian womenswear retailer to make UK debut on Carnaby Street

Australian womenswear retailer Kookaï is to make it’s UK debut, opening its first permanent location in the country on London’s Carnaby Street.

Spanning 1,800 sq ft, Kookaï’s new space at 37 Carnaby Street will feature its latest store concept and offer a range of womenswear designed at the brand’s Melbourne studio.

The opening will build on the brand’s success across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, which has seen it grow to over 57 boutiques in recent years.

Kookaï joins a number of contemporary fashion labels that have selected Soho as an entry point into the UK retail market over the past six months, including ALOHAS and Edikted. The signing also coincides with a period of significant investment across the destination, as retailers including Nobody’s Child, New Era, and IZIPIZI have refit their stores.

William Oliver, director of retail and restaurant leasing at landlord Shaftesbury Capital, said: “This fresh version of Kookaï coming to Carnaby Street for a UK debut, closely following in Edikted’s footsteps, reinforces Soho’s position as the sought after launch destination for brands. Its vibrant mix and visitor audience draws in both emerging and established retailers, alongside the long-standing success that has become synonymous with the neighbourhood.”

Bianca Vagner Cromb, creative director of Kookaï, added: “As a brand we’re making major moves towards growth, and our upcoming UK debut in Soho is a major milestone. A location such as Carnaby Street provides an optimal opportunity to connect with our customer demographic, whilst the destination’s reputation for uplifting similar brands in their transition into the UK market ensures we are well-positioned for a successful debut.”

This announcement follows the news that premium French outerwear brand, K-Way, has signed for a flagship at 26-27 Carnaby Street, its first in the West End. The brand will occupy a 1,400 sq ft space to showcase its selection of outerwear across menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and accessories.