Australia has had a long term love affair with the Alice McCall and her ability to blend just the right amount of girlish flounce with slinky sophistication.

Most recently it’s exactly the kind of blueprint that’s caught the eye of Beyonce, winning a coveted spot as one of the singer’s favourite brands. A game-changing feat for any designer, let alone one from the land Down Under.

Playful by design and by nature, there’s no denying that every piece has a little local renegade spirit injected into every piece and the world can’t get enough.

Which is perhaps why she’s so beloved in London, which is a place that despite its windy grey elements more than appreciates bold, colourful and slightly rebellious Australians, who in return revel in the city’s old world grandeur.

Earlier this year McCall and her team took to the English capital to celebrate the launch of her autumn/winter 2017 collection and enjoy a little well deserved rest and recuperation after one of the biggest years of her career.

Here she shares a few of her favourite places to unwind and explore while in town.

PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET

65 Portobello Road

Opens at 9:00am to 6pm Monday to Wednesday, 9:00am to 1:00pm Thursday & 9:00am to 7:00pm Friday and Saturday

I love the Portobello Road Market.

It’s an absolute must whenever I’m in London and I always make sure to carve out a little time for it no matter how busy I am. I have a lot of fond memories not only shopping there but also selling slips to Kate Moss there! I picked up some divine vintage finds this time around like this Zandra Rhodes piece (above).

SEXY FISH

Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR

+44 20 3764 2000

I always enjoy a dinner and drink at Sexy Fish. It’s just got amazingly fresh food and a fun atmosphere and vibe.

LIBERTY LONDON

Regent Street, Carnaby, London, W1B 5AH

+44 20 7734 1234

I spend hours in Liberty when I visit. Such a great place to find anything and everything you are looking for.

I also love hanging out in the Liberty Café to relax, it’s a fantastic place if you need to have some downtime between shopping.

SKETCH

9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XG

+44 20 7659 4500

The quirky décor and soft pinks they use throughout the restaurant are what makes this a favourite of mine to go for a drink and a dinner with friends.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD AT WORLD’S END IN CHELSEA

430 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0LJ

+44 20 7352 6551

Vivienne Westwood is a hero of mine. Her store in Chelsea is absolutely iconic for London fashion, with its warped floor and clock that speeds up time. Without a doubt an essential stop every time I’m in London.