Granny Takes A Trip was London’s first psychedelic boutique and a cult hang out space for the countercultural stars of the 1960s. Founded by Nigel Waymouth, Sheila Cohen and John Pearse, the store opened on King’s Road, Chelsea in 1966, the same year that London was hailed The Swinging City by Time magazine.
Granny sold vintage pieces from Cohen’s legendary personal collection as well as opulent own-label clothes that were expertly tailored and embellished. In a spirit of curiosity and rebellion, Granny often used upholstery fabrics (not originally intended for clothing) to craft its designs, producing durable garments with rich textures.
In 1969, Granny Takes a Trip was taken over by Freddie Hornik, tailor and founder of Dandie Fashions. Hornik expanded the business, opening shops in New York (1969) and Los Angeles (1972) to huge commercial success.
The New York store closed after 6 years in 1975, followed by the LA branch in 1979, and finally the original London store closed it’s doors for good in 1981.
Adorned with artwork and heavily-scented with incense, the Granny Takes A Trip boutique provided an inner sanctum for its clientele, which included members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Marianne Faithfull, Brigitte Bardot, Anita Pallenberg and Monica Vitti, to name a few.
Relaunched for the 21st century, the new Granny Takes A Trip is as irreverent as the original, disrupting the conventional codes of consumption, elevating circular style culture, and celebrating collective ownership. The Granny Rental Archive offers all brand members the opportunity to wear unique garments crafted by Granny, as well as rare vintage pieces that embody the brand’s aesthetic.
Alongside the Archive, the Granny Wardrobe offers limited edition timeless classics made with deadstock and recycled fibres. Available to purchase with a take back scheme, the Wardrobe complements the Archive. Together, they invite us to rethink the way we relate to clothes.
more information: granny.london
Photo Credit By granny.london
