A northern shopping destination for designer labels, the Jules B flagship is tucked away in Jesmond — Newcastle upon Tyne’s answer to Notting Hill, with its affluent suburbia feel, trendy restaurants and sleepy high street. Founded in 1984 by husband and wife Julian and Rhona Blades (a former Barbour PR and fashion lecturer respectively), the sprawling, Victorianesque store (think antique furnishings, oak beams and nook-like rooms) was the first of four Jules B boutiques spread across the northeast of England.
The unisex chain hosts brands that are tailored to two different aesthetics. While the contemporary labels Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo and Helmut Lang provide a “sophisticated, directional look”, the second approach is “soft dressing,” says Julian. “We stock luxurious and comfortable clothes with high wearability.” These understated pieces come from a clutch of Parisian-cool labels and include Isabel Marant Étoile’s sweaters and cotton trousers, jersey dresses by Crea Concept and chic linen separates from Grizas. The store’s collection of niche European labels is a highlight (including Munthe from Denmark), and available to the rest of the UK via Jules B’s comprehensive and user-friendly website.
21-23 Acorn Rd, NE2 2DJ
julesb.co.uk