If there’s one store that epitomises the longevity and ageless appeal of the Great British high street, it would have to be John Lewis & Partners. We all have our own memories of the institution, whether it’s shopping for school shoes or manically buying scented candles and mugs the day before Christmas. While John Lewis may have a lead role in these nostalgic shopping memories, I recently discovered that it’s also a gold mine for cult brands that you might struggle to find IRL.
After a quick browse of the womenswear category, I couldn’t believe what an eclectic range of labels there was. Not only were the likes of Mango and Ted Baker included, but there were also names such as Ninety Percent, the fashion editor–approved sustainable basics brand, and Les Girls Les Boys, aka the new-gen offering of the underwear world. Having everything in one place honestly makes browsing so much easier, and that’s coming from a shopping editor. But you really have to see for yourself. I rounded up the seven brands that I never expected to find on John Lewis. Scroll down to see and shop my edit, from jewellery and underwear to basics to workout wear.