Karen Millen

Profile

U.K.-based designer Karen Millen launched her namesake label in 1981 as a line of simple white shirts. Since then, the brand has expanded both geographically and sartorially. This showy location, featuring corrugated mirrored walls, a molded-tin ceiling, and Euro club beats, opened in 2007 as the U.S. flagship. The brand now encompasses a variety of glam, updated classic looks for the gal-about-town. Its fit model is a size-six Brazilian samba dancer, and the clothes (available in sizes two through twelve) are correspondingly curve-flattering, from soft, floaty dresses to serious-but-sexy trenches. The racks hold both weekday wear and party gear—separates like high-waisted skirts and chunky cardigans, affordable leather jackets, and higher-end cocktail dresses. Sleek glass shelves showcase a trove of fancy heels and bags, including the top-selling overnighters with shiny hardware. — Caroline Kinneberg