Explore new products created in honour of the landmark occasion.
By Tamara Abraham
Two hundred years ago, the Burlington Arcade opened “for the sale of jewellery and fancy articles of fashionable demand, for the gratification of the public.” And gratify them it did. Over the past two centuries, it has endured fire, the Blitz and even a poltergeist, but its reputation as a destination for unique and covetable luxuries remains, today attracting over four million visitors per year.
In honour of the landmark anniversary, each of the Burlington Arcade’s retailers have created a limited-edition product. Here, we explore our favourites.
Strathberry – Tri-colour Midi Tote
The Edinburgh-based luxury leather goods brand’s signature Midi Tote is a favourite with Lady Gaga and the Duchess of Sussex. Now it has been given a tri-colour makeover inspired by the Burlington Arcade Beadles’ uniforms in navy, ruby and vanilla. We love the bar-shaped closure which is inspired by the folios used by music students for sheet music. £475, available exclusively at Strathberry, 64-65 Burlington Arcade.
Hideaway Café – The Queen Cake
The recipe for Hideaway’s Queen Cake is almost 200 years old, adapted from an 1822 recipe book by Maria Eliza Rundell. Akin to a Victoria sponge, it has a raspberry and rosemary jam filling, as well as raisins soaked in jasmine tea. The pièce de résistance is its “ridiculously thick” buttercream topping, piped in the shape of a flower. Available until 31 March at Hideaway Café, 60-61 Burlington Arcade.
Roja Parfums – Elixir Edition Speciale
Perfumer Roja Dove has made his new Elixir fragrance available as a 100ml parfum strength Special Edition in honour of the Burlington Arcade’s anniversary. The unique marriage of florals (lily of the valley, geranium, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, heliotrope and violet) and fruit (raspberry and peach) is balanced by warm cedar, sandal and casmir woods, as well as cinnamon, vanilla, orris, orris sur cèdre, violet leaves and bergamot, plus notes of musk and ambrette in the base. £595, available exclusively at Roja Parfums, 51 Burlington Arcade.
Susannah Lovis – Garrard Art Deco platinum and diamond convertible tiara
Antique jeweller Susannah Lovis is celebrating the Burlington Arcade birthday with a rare Art Deco platinum and diamond convertible tiara by Garrard. This one-of-a-kind piece dates from 1925-1939 and transforms into a necklace, bracelet, pair of earrings and brooch. £79,000, available exclusively at Susannah Lovis, 50 Burlington Arcade.
Ladurée – personalised pistachio and vanilla macaron
The Parisian patisserie, which invented the macaron in the mid-19th century, combined two of its most enduringly popular flavours– pistachio and vanilla – for its Burlington Arcade 200th anniversary exclusive. The two-tone treat was then personalised with the Burlington Arcade logo. £2.95 each, available exclusively at Ladurée, 71-72 Burlington Arcade.
Atkinsons – The Joss Flower fragrance
Atkinsons created a new eau de toilette in honour of the Burlington Arcade’s 200th anniversary – the Joss Flower. A beautifully balanced scent, it has top notes of incense and pink pepper, a rich heart of gardenia, ylang ylang and peach, and amber, sandalwood and patchouli in the dry down. Available exclusively at Atkinsons, 40-41 Burlington Arcade.
Church’s – limited-edition Shannon shoe
The heritage footwear brand has created a special version of its Shannon men’s shoe, a polished, lace-up Derby blucher. The limited-edition version comes in black and light ebony, with a special tag detail on the heel. Church’s shoes have been made by hand in Northampton since 1873, and each pair takes eight-to-ten weeks to make. £590, available exclusively at Church’s, 58-59 Burlington Arcade.
