Last night, American Express opened its traveling pop-up destination, the American Express Platinum House, in London’s Covent Garden neighborhood.
Located in a customized, multi-room space at 12-48 Southampton Row, the House—which is the first of its kind to debut outside of the United States, after successful activations in Miami, Palm Springs, and more—is accessible to Platinum and Centurion card throughout the duration of London Fashion Week, which begins today.
And this particular House is big, offering a labyrinthine blend of services and experiences that extend beyond just the fashion-sphere. For one, there’s food: guests can sample canapés from the famous restaurants Duck & Waffle and Hakkasan throughout the weekend. (Cardholders may also gain exclusive entry to 45 of London’s top restaurants via American Express’s Global Dining Collection.)
One room features a beauty salon flanked by spinning turntables—last night, Republic Records artists performed to fete the opening, including SG Lewis and KUNGS. There’s also a space for wellness; the House hosts complimentary classes ranging from Power Yoga to Barre Burn, in partnership with Equinox. Another impressive sight: an entire wall-slash-mural made of Away suitcases. Here, attendees can buy luggage stickers as well as items from Away’s travel uniform.
And finally, the fashion: the House has a pop-up shop curated by none other than Sarah Andelman, the founder of Paris’s now closed—but extraordinarily inventive and successful—boutique, Colette. A highlight here? Pieces handpicked from Alexa Chung’s ALEXACHUNG label. And, if only popping by, there’s always a bar for a quick drink.
The American Express Platinum House London is located at 12-48 Southampton Row in the Old Central Saint Martins Building. It is open Friday, September 14 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM; Saturday, September 15 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM; and Sunday, September 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
