Manière De Voir selects London’s Oxford Street for first store

Manchester-based online fashion brand Manière De Voir, which was founded by former professional footballer Reece Wabara, has signed a 10-year lease for a 5,189 sq ft retail space at 354 Oxford Street, above Bond Street Tube station.

The opening date is to be confirmed, but it marks the first physical retail store for the women’s and menswear brand, in a building called Oxbourne House - redeveloped by Hines following its acquisition from Transport for London in 2018.

The detached building includes a striking 25 metre double height frontage and has a bespoke fit-out “that reflects Manière De Voir’s mantra of ‘Buy Once, Wear Forever’”.

Manière De Voir was founded by Wabara in 2013, who was until then best known for being a professional footballer, having played for England’s under-20 team, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers. He was inspired by his school friends Lewis Morgan and Ben Francis who had co-founded Gymshark in 2012.

With an eye for detail and a passion for fashion following his football career, Wabara led the company in turning over £1 million in its first year. Manière De Voir now generates revenue in excess of £30 million a year.

Wabara said: “We are delighted to announce Oxbourne House as our London flagship store. We strongly believe that the balance between online and physical retail space is key to growing and solidifying a brand that stands the test of time.

“We hope to weave ourselves into the fabric of the high street’s resurgence, inspiring other successful online pure plays to become a part of the iconic location which is Oxford Street.”

Oxbourne House, Oxford Street

Emme Batten, Director of Asset Management at Hines UK, commented: “Oxford Street continues to be one of the most iconic, popular streets in London and Oxbourne House represents a fantastic addition to the area. This leasing is a great example of our overall drive to attract best in class retailers to our assets to help enhance central London’s shopping experience, while demonstrating how successful retail companies are evolving to combine both physical and online stores.

“Manière De Voir’s decision to call Oxbourne House home is testament to the capital’s strength as a retail destination. It is clear how deeply Reece Wabara cares about his Manière De Voir brand and we are proud to be working with him to bring his vision for a physical store to life in such a prestigious location and supporting his business as it continues to grow and innovate from within the UK.”