After four months in the dark, boozers across the UK flung open their doors earlier this week to throngs of eager punters, many of whom had been queuing since the wee hours of the morning, unwilling to go another night without wrapping their lips around the cool rim of a pint glass.
Another institution stepping out of the shadows this week is Browns. The legendary fashion retailer is known for its ability to gaze directly into fashion’s crystal ball and predict the future, having been the first to stock designers like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano back when they were seedlings. Over the past few months, Browns has upped sticks from its South Molton Street flagship to a sparkling new location on Mayfair’s Brook Street, which, as per government guidelines, opens this week.
Browns’ tardis-like Brook Street outpost promises a bricks and mortar experience quite unlike any other, with an in-house club, tattoo artist, and restaurant among its offering. And to mark the occasion, the fashion emporium has commissioned monologues from the multi-hyphenate creatives and all round London visages, Crystal Rasmussen and Otamere Guobadia. Dressed in full Raf Simons and Wales Bonnner, respectively, Crystal and Otamere’s Brook Street monologues are love letters to the adrenaline rush of a spontaneous night out on the tiles. The duo regale us with stories of hurried Uber rides, free champagne, and debauched soirees across town, positioning Browns Brook Street as the new social epicentre, where connections are made and glamour reigns supreme.
Watch the monologues here and salivate over the not-too-distant prospect of a proper night out beyond the pub patio. And in the meantime, visit the new Browns store at 39 Brook Street.