Diverse to open on Fortess Road

Longstanding Islington fashion boutique Diverse is set to be the latest arrival on Fortess Road, a sneaker’s hurl from both the quirky new jeweller’s Jessica De Lotz and Sarah Khan’s SK Vintage store.

Diverse takes over the recently-vacated Soho Hip, which closed in December. It has been something of an Upper Street staple for three decades, opening back in 1987, selling international brands like Acne, Jill Sander and YMC as well as new up and coming designers.

“Our store had been trading for 29 years but due to increasing rent and rates, it became prohibitive,” says founder and creative director Saskia Lamche. “I live locally and love the vibe of Fortess Road, with all the independents there: it’s more creative, a bit like Upper Street was when we first arrived. It will be so nice to be surrounded with other like-minded people doing it for themselves. Upper Street had started to lose its individuality.”

So what will the new store offer? “Womenswear to begin with, including jewellery and accessories, with the clear intention to add menswear as soon as possible.”