London's Maddox Street is fast building a rep as a hub for innovative design and today sees those credentials further boosted by the opening of jeweller Natasha Zinko's boutique at No. 46.

With its plush carpet, mirrored walls, and regal purple and gilt detailing this is one opulent environ, and that's before you even get to the jewels.

Whether they're stashed behind wall-mounted picture frames to resemble beautiful works of art, or nestled in vintage glass-top tables ,the sparkle emanating from candy coloured precious stones - not to mention black, yellow and uncut diamonds - is enough to warrant shades.

Majoring in off kilter pieces with a surreal and often funny edge, Zinko takes the classic fine jewellery format and turns it on its head, creating work that, whilst unmistakably precious, is eminently accessible.

New line David and Goliath, for example, explores notions of scale. But forget any biblical imagery here. Zinko's unlikely protagonists are a bubble headed elephant and rabbit duo. Continuing the tongue-in-cheek theme that pervades all her work, Zinko's Memento Mori line features fully articulated skeletons sporting preposterously large bows and tiny pearl digits.

In Zinko's hands even trad jewellery motifs such as skulls and crosses take on a fresh appearance, largely down to the inclusion of idiosyncratic details: asymmetrical stones, mismatched mounts and uneven edges are all part of the attraction and key to an aesthetic that is sure to win her fans.

www.natashazinko.com

Maia Adams

From trad fabrics to decade mashups, we're enjoying the retro revival that's in the air right now. The blast from the past that's grabbed our attention this week comes courtesy of watch brand Old England which has just re-issued 30 styles from the archives.

In its Swinging Sixties hey day Old England was a firm favourite with the likes of Mod model Twiggy and Elton John. Never knowingly understated, legend has it that Elton ordered 50 bespoke timepieces as gifts for his friends and family.

Despite having one foot firmly planted in the past, the new collection - which comprises three lines: Classic Roman, Be Brave and New Union - will appeal to a contemporary fanbase with an eye on bold graphics, a penchant for colour blocking and yen for the best of British.

www.oldenglandwatches.com

Maia Adams

Thursday night saw the opening of the London College of Fashion's first ever retail outlet, College Shop. Located in in Kingly Court - a haven of independent shops just off London's famous Carnaby Street - the small-but-perfectly-formed boutique was packed to the rafters with wares created by the college's recent graduates. From quirky bags and sky high shoes to directional jewellery and pretty pots of honey, there was something to tickle every creative fancy.

With stock rotated daily and prices ranging from £20 to £400 this is an opportunity to get your hands on one-off works by London's future design stars. But you'd better be quick. Like all good things, College Shop won't be around forever. The doors close on Sept 28^th, so our advice? Catch it while you can!

Maia Adams

www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/collegeshop

Photos: Alex Maguire