What’s Happening

Gifts on the Green

Did you know that Gifts on the Green has a long but interesting story behind it? At their Fulham shop on the New Kings Road front of house you’ll find a lovely selection of cards, gifts and toys but behind the scenes they are working away supplying candles to customers across the country.

The Savoy was one of their first customers, are still a customer and the longest standing of clients. Urban Village LDN caught up with Amanda Stahel who’s mother started the business in the 60's, making candles in a garage in Sheen/Kew. “It was such an entrepreneurial time and my Mother went on to open her first shop on Parkway in Camden. It was here with her candle maker and potter friends that she showcased hers and their creations”.

Next there was a move to Covent Garden in 1982 with a focus on candles and that’s when the whole sale side of the business started. Amanda continues “it was such a phenomenal time, such a good spot for us when Covent Garden was redeveloped. There were so many independents and we flourished providing candles for restaurants around the area and we also had a tank where customers could dip and colour their own candles”.

A third shop location was bought in the late 80s in Parsons Green where they still run their wholesale business today. We asked Amanda when she got involved in the business and the reply started with a chuckle “when I was three, carrying things around, working during my school holidays in the Covent Garden shop. I got more involved in 1998 and in 2007 I took over the reins completely. The wholesale business is the main part of what we do and the shop is a lovely extra. We have a wonderful supportive community around us and supply various SW6 businesses including The Brown Cow and Koji. We are so grateful to supply locals with cards, candles, toys, and gifts, to have survived lockdown and to keep going!”.

You can find out more about Gifts on the Green and other local businesses in the Parsons Green are on the link below.

Allison Rodger Designs

Allison Rodger Designs studio and shop is based in the heart of Fulham at 283 New Kings Road. It's here that Allison, also a Fulham resident, works closely with her clients to meticulously craft bespoke womenswear pieces that flatter and have timeless appeal. Urban Village LDN caught up with Allison as "the season" fast approaches to talk about the ultimate time of year for occasion wear. 

Allison told us "it's been busy as clients plan their outfits for forthcoming events this spring and summer. We're on a roll with consultations and fittings with mothers of bride and groom, Ascot and horse racing goers, wedding guests and of course brides. I'm so lucky to love what I do, collaborating with my regular clients, meeting new ones and helping them all bring their ideas for a bespoke piece to a reality.  It's always such an exciting process and I pride myself on giving the same attention to detail to every commission; whether it's a wedding dress or a wardrobe staple”.

As well as local residents Allison's clients come from all over the world and include celebrities and dignitaries: Nigella Lawson, Dame Karen Pierce and Cherie Blair. If you haven't visited the store before why not pop in when you're next passing to have a browse through sample pieces and a curated collection of accessories. If Allison isn't upstairs, ring the bell as she'll most likely be in her downstairs studio pattern cutting and creating designs on her mannequin. Alternatively if you'd like to enquire about a bespoke design call Allison on 020 7821 7000 or book an appointment via her website where you can also see examples of her tailoring, occasion and bridal work.