Australian-owned womenswear retailer Kookaï will open its first permanent UK store at 37 Carnaby Street in the coming months.
The landlord, Shaftesbury Capital, has agreed terms with Kookaï for a 1,800 sq ft flagship unit in Soho. The brand designs exclusively from its Melbourne studio, with a brand identity centred on femininity, confidence and independent style. Its arrival adds to Carnaby Street’s curated fashion mix.
Refreshed Concept For UK Debut
The Carnaby Street opening will mark the UK debut of Kookaï’s refreshed store concept. The updated look and feel builds on the retailer’s recent growth across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, where it now operates more than 57 boutiques.
Kookaï joins a group of contemporary fashion brands that have selected Soho as a strategic entry point to the UK market in the past six months, including ALOHAS and Edikted. The signing comes amid wider investment across the destination, with established occupiers such as Nobody’s Child, New Era and IZIPIZI recently refitting their stores to introduce updated concepts.
“This fresh version of Kookaï coming to Carnaby Street for a UK debut, closely following in Edikted’s footsteps, reinforces Soho’s position as the sought after launch destination for brands. Its vibrant mix and visitor audience draws in both emerging and established retailers, alongside the long-standing success that has become synonymous with the neighbourhood.”
William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing, Shaftesbury Capital
“As a brand we’re making major moves towards growth, and our upcoming UK debut in Soho is a major milestone. A location such as Carnaby Street provides an optimal opportunity to connect with our customer demographic, whilst the destination’s reputation for uplifting similar brands in their transition into the UK market ensures we are well-positioned for a successful debut.”
Bianca Vagner Cromb, Creative Director, Kookaï
Further West End Signings
The announcement follows confirmation that premium French outerwear brand K-Way has signed for a 1,400 sq ft flagship at 26–27 Carnaby Street, marking its first West End store.
