SHOP WATCH

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON The launch of Matthew Williamson's new flagship store (right) in April attracted a deluge of celebrity friends, while rock chick Kelis brought the house down.

WHOSE BRIGHT IDEA?

Williamson co-created the interior with installation artist Clare Ceprynski.

Eighteenth-century plasterwork vies with clear perspex shelving and silk de Gournay wallpaper while flimsy dresses float from Murano- glass chandeliers. Love it.

RUB SHOULDERS WITH

Boho-loving sirens: Kate Moss, Gwynnie, and the ubiquitous SJP. Kelis and Madonna bring a bit of diva to the mix.

LAUNCH PARTY PACK YOUR PLATINUM?

The sale started yesterday, so T-shirts, originally Pounds 75, are down 60 per cent. The glamorous column dress is down to Pounds 1,120 from Pounds 1,400. Shoes are down 60 per cent.

CAN'T GET THE STAFF?

The moment you enter, they are very attentive. An assistant takes clothes to the changing rooms and offers to search for other sizes. When you leave, a smiling security guard opens the door.

MOST COVETABLE ITEM

A ra-ra skirt in pink and turquoise (was SIZING CRINGE FACTOR KARMA? Pounds 150, now Pounds 90) will have you drooling.

Sizes range from 8 to 14. Plenty of 8s and 10s, 12s are thin on the ground, and a size 14 is nowhere to be found.

Changing rooms contain gloriously kitsch faux-Louis chairs covered in rose petals.

Also check out Williamson's favourite zone, the glossy-mag Icon corridor.

Mr Williamson's past lives must have been impeccable. Cushions are strewn everywhere and splashes of Bollywood colour will ensure that your aura is positively psychedelic, man.

WORTH A VISIT?

If you are a magpie-like style anarchist, you simply must go for the sheer thrill.

Matthew Williamson, 28 Bruton Street, W1 (020 7629 6200), matthewwilliamson.com

(c)2004. Associated Newspapers Ltd.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.