Hobbs, the quintessentially English brand for women, opened its first store in Hampstead in 1981 and now has more than 100 branches across the UK. Headed by creative director Sandy Verdon, the design team weaves current and past themes into timelessly elegant collections, including contemporary line NW3, which takes inspiration from Hampstead, the village where Hobbs began. Also look for the Limited Edition range, launched in 2006, for chic investment pieces in the best fabrics and the most flattering cuts.