Kookaï and K-Way Bolster Carnaby Street’s Fashion Mix

Shaftesbury Capital has announced that Australian womenswear brand Kookaï and French outerwear retailer K-Way have opened on Carnaby Street in Soho, strengthening the destination’s established fashion offer.

Occupying 1,800 sq ft, Kookaï has launched its debut permanent UK location at 37 Carnaby Street, showcasing its refreshed iteration following success across Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The new boutique-style flagship features a selection womenswear, designed exclusively from its Melbourne studio. The debut is a clear vote of confidence in Carnaby Street and the wider Soho neighbourhood, as a platform for international brands to make an entrance into the UK market.

Located at 26-27 Carnaby Street, K-Way has opened its West End debut. The 1,400 sq ft flagship marks a key stage in the strategic expansion for the retailer, which, like Kookaï, has an extensive presence across Western Europe. The new location stocks its signature outerwear across menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and accessories. 

Both openings build on a plethora of best-in-class retailers launching debut stores on and around Carnaby Street, including the newest addition, Edikted, as well as TALA and ALOHAS, reinforcing Soho’s position as a first-choice destination with growing, innovative brands. They support Carnaby Street’s evolution as a dynamic retail hub attracting a diverse audience, spanning domestic and international tourists, office workers, and local residents.

William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Both Kookaï and K-Way are great additions to Carnaby Street, bringing something distinct that will resonate with our visitors and contribute to the street’s constant evolution. Carnaby Street’s mix of best-in-class retailers sets it apart from other retail destinations across the UK – welcoming firsts like Edikted, TALA, and Eme Studios. We’re confident Kookaï and K-Way will add to that unique dynamic.”

Bianca Vagner Cromb, Creative Director of Kookaï, added: “Opening our UK debut on Carnaby Street is a major milestone for Kookaï, being the perfect location to really cement our position in the market. The destination offers unmatched visibility, as well as the opportunity to sit alongside other like-minded, global brands. The success we’ve seen so far with the new iteration gives us real confidence in the brand’s future, and this launch marks the beginning of a fantastic relationship with UK consumers.”

Kookaï and K-Way will be joined by Spanish streetwear brand Eme Studios, which has signed to launch its UK debut at 57 Carnaby Street. The addition further diversifies the street’s brand mix, introducing another digitally native retailer to Carnaby Street’s vibrant customer base.