Australian womenswear retailer Kookaï to make UK debut on Carnaby Street

Shaftesbury Capital has announced that Australian-owned womenswear retailer, Kookaï, will open its debut permanent UK location in the coming months, at 37 Carnaby Street.  

Securing a 1,800 sq ft flagship space, Kookaï will introduce its contemporary womenswear to the fashion-forward destination. Defined by femininity, confidence, and independent style, the brand exclusively designs from its Melbourne studio, positioning the retailer as a distinctive and compelling addition to the destination’s curated fashion mix. 

Kookaï’s upcoming Carnaby Street store marks the national debut of the brand’s refreshed iteration. Its new look and feel builds on success across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, having grown to more than 57 boutiques in recent years. 

The brand joins a cohort of contemporary fashion labels that have selected Soho as a strategic entry point into the UK retail market over the past six months, including ALOHAS and Edikted. The signing also coincides with a period of significant brand investment across the destination, as established retailers including Nobody’s Child, New Era and IZIPIZI have refit their stores, introducing the latest concepts to enhance the shopper experience.

William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “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.” 

Bianca Vagner Cromb, Creative Director of Kookaï, added: “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.”  

This announcement follows the news that premium French outerwear brand, K-Way, has signed for a flagship at 26-27 Carnaby Street, its first in the West End. K-Way has become so iconic in Western Europe that it is listed in French and Italian dictionaries, signifying a ‘cagoule’. The now 60-year-old brand, an innovator in waterproof design, and will occupy a 1,400 sq ft space to showcase its extensive selection of outerwear across menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and accessories.