London is bracing itself for the opening of a new shopping centre near Shepherd’s Bush in West London. Westfield London has been in the news previously but I immediately dismissed it as a Lakeside in The City, especially as I don’t go West of Selfridges. But with the news that Vuitton are opening a 3000 square foot unit I wondered which other designers may follow. A stand-alone Juicy Couture perhaps? I shouldn’t be so sniffy though. The centre is partnered by the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Forward scheme which supports smaller labels with mentoring services. I’m intrigued as to how the niche labels will sit alongside the high street stores and mega-brands but my curiosity has been piqued and I may have to make a journey into a higher postcode than W1. At least I’ve time to prepare - the mall isn’t slated to open until November 2008.