If you’re from London or the surrounding areas like me, Flannels probably makes you think of a designer shop you’ve seen in a shopping centre or somewhere you’ve popped into for a pair of trainers or Ugg boots. You might not think six floors of London-style department store luxury with the likes of Gucci, Saint Laurent, Prada and Bottega Veneta showcasing the latest trends – yet this is the case in the newly opened Leeds store.
Bang smack in the middle of Leeds city centre, the new Flannels flagship store joins the high street retailer’s new mission to bring a high end, luxury shopping experience to the rest of the country. As David Epstein, managing director of premium and luxury at Frasers Group explained, he wanted the people of Leeds and the surrounding areas to also have their “London moment,” without the two hour train journey.
From the high shine marble floors to the aesthetically pleasing design I couldn’t help but be impressed as I walked through the entrance and into the latest designer accessories towards a beauty hall which could rival the likes of Selfridges. Although I stopped and browsed the extensive Longchamp offering and debated buying the latest silver New Balance trainers, my bread and butter will always be beauty and before long I was sucked into Flannels Beauty’s impressive selection.
As I chatted to all the friendly staff I was surprised that many of the offerings inside the new Flannels store were the first in the region, including a high tech face scanner at Dior, designated treatment area at Estée Lauder and a one of a kind beauty changing room which allows customers to go and try products, much like a clothing dressing room, equipped with an interactive mirror and content space, because let’s face it, if you don’t take a photo it didn’t happen.
PS Photography/Lauren Ezekiel
Prada Beauty
Prada Beauty is really having a moment right now. The iconic green pops out as you walk into the beauty hall and I was immediately drawn to the viral Prada Beauty pH Lip Balm (£39) which Sabrina Carpenter recently used in the Taste music video. It isn’t on the Flannels website at the moment so this is one you want to go in store to grab, however you can buy a few shades of its iconic matte finish lipstick, which just oozes fashion.
flannels.com
Benefit Limited Edition Gift Boxes
I’m sorry but nothing says Christmas like a beauty gift set and for as long as I can remember, Benefit have always produced the most sought after kitsch offerings – this year is no different. Usually reserved for its key boutiques and department stores it was nice to see the whole range in the Flannels including this Benefit Extra Glam Infused Gift Set (£54) – it contains £110 worth of product for nearly 50% of the RRP, which includes three full size products.
PS Photography/Lauren Ezekiel
Guerlain
Guerlain is one of my favourite classic designer brands and I will still maintain that its bronzer is up there with the best of its kind. However, I couldn’t help but notice the Guerlain Cherry Oud Perfume (£164) amongst its wide offering of fragrance. I couldn’t find this one online either so this is something you will need to try for yourself. Cherry perfume is really having a moment right now, so whether you’ve tried it and love it already or want to give this a sniff, this is the perfect place to try it.
flannels.com
Tan Luxe
I know you can buy Tan Luxe elsewhere, but whenever I see this Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Acid Self-Tan Serum (£35) I need to recommend it to people, as it will honestly make you feel a million times better. It leaves skin with the most natural, hydrated glow and I guarantee if you are feeling a bit meh as we approach winter this can cheer up even the most miserable sunless skin.
PS Photography/Lauren Ezekiel
Christian Dior and Dior Prestige
This is one of the most impressive counters in the new Flannels Leeds store and I feel like I could recommend about 10 products that I’ve either currently tried or want to try. Whether it’s the viral Dior Lip Glow Oil (£33) or Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush (£35) or the Dior Prestige line, which you can try in store if you haven’t seen it before. Dior Prestige La Micros Huile De Rose Advanced Serum (£276) is a work of beauty art in itself.
flannels.com
Balmain Hair
Hair perfume is having a moment right now and there’s nothing chicer than Balmain Hair Silk Perfume (£40) – this smells so luxurious you will be sniffing your hair all day long. Flannels has the whole Balmain Hair range if you want to have a nose, also its a great way to get a slice of Balmain without the hefty price tags.
PS Photography/Lauren Ezekiel
The Flat Lay Beauty Company
This is such a lovely brand and ideal if you’re into an aesthetic makeup set up. My favourite is The Flat Lay Co. Box Bag (£23) as I love the practical shape that can easily fold into a compact box to fit into a handbag.
Flannels Leeds Flagship. Photo by Joas Souza
Lauren Ezekiel (she/her) is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism she began her career in 2008. Lauren is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup. A mum of two, Lauren is an advocate for the benefits of beauty and self-care for your mental well-being, which inspired her award-winning charity initiative We C U 2020. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK!, Health & Beauty, The Sun, Asda, Dare and Metro.
