Fashion

Your Guide To Most Colorful Neighborhood in London

by Alyssa Surrett

Season after season, London Fashion Week is a fountain of inspiration — even more so for the cool-girl style and emerging beauty trends you spot on the streets than the curated looks on the runways. After the last model has walked and the fashion crowd has migrated to the next city, the neighborhoods across the sprawling city continue to be characterized by their out-of-the-box charm and addictive energy. Much like New York, each area of the city has its own captivating persona that directly affects the personal style of its inhabitants.

In partnership with Rimmel London, we are setting out to explore one of our favorite London neighborhoods, Brixton. Located in the southern region of the city, Brixton boasts a melting pot of ethnicities and a ton of culture. In the late 1940s, immigrants from Jamaica started pouring into a relatively underdeveloped area that would eventually become the culturally rich hot spot that is modern-day Brixton. Today, it's still defined by its large population of Caribbean descendants, which means delicious island-inspired food, bustling outdoor markets, and a flourishing music scene.

Here, explore the ‘hood where all the cool kids are hanging out — plus our guide to what to do, see, eat, and wear. Consider your itinerary and packing list handled.

What To Do...

Upon exiting the Tube, you’ll want to check out the Lambeth Town Hall — one of the neighborhood’s most iconic historic landmarks. Architecture and book buffs can also geek out on reference texts and turn-of-the-century architecture at the Tate Library.

If movies are more your speed, never fear! You can catch a movie at Ritzy Cinema, whose lineup ranges from major blockbusters and classics to independent films and late-night shows. When you’re feeling hungry, taste a sampling of cuisines from around the world at Brixton Market. There, you’ll find restaurant vendors serving up Jamaican, Asian, Indian and South American dishes. Cap off your day with a visit to the Brixton Windmill for a photo op that can’t be topped.

What To Wear...

When in Brixton, do as the locals do: Embrace your inner wild child with pieces that stand out from the crowd. A floral dress is versatile enough for all of your evening affairs, while a crimson top and tropical platforms will pair perfectly with your go-to denim. Stash some quirky shades, a notice-me clutch, and a striking lipstick in your carry-on to arrive in style. No wallflowers allowed here.

Getting The London Look...

Turn up the wattage on your beauty routine with a fearless bold-on-bold approach. The star of this look is the perfect pop of coral created with Rimmel London’s The Only 1 Lipstick in "Call Me Crazy."

The recently launched formula goes on with an opaque finish while feeling surprisingly glossy and hydrating. To channel the anything-goes aesthetic of this London neighborhood, we paired the lip color with an unexpected, electric eyeliner (try Rimmel London's Magnif'Eyes Double Ended Shadow & Liner in shade Dark Side of Blue) along the bottom lashes. For bonus points, dare to extend the liner into a subtle cat eye. Keep the rest of the face clean and simple, and sweep your hair up into a sleek ponytail to strike the right balance. Then, head to the nearest dance floor — ASAP.

This post is sponsored by Rimmel London.

Photos: Lauren Perlstein; Illustrations: Mary Rabun; Styling: Jenna Wexler; Model: Thatiana Diaz; Makeup: Elisa Flowers; Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi