Empire of Genius

As much a working studio as it is a boutique, Empire of Genius presents a slower, more considered way to shop for clothes. It’s a place that exudes quiet confidence and style in equal measure, where the person who greets you is also the one who designed, cut, and stitched what’s on the rack. 

Set within an industrial space softened by generous natural light, the studio-store strikes a balance between raw and refined. Racks of silk and leather pieces sit comfortably alongside tools of the trade, with the workroom humming just upstairs. It’s calm, personal, and refreshingly unhurried, more like stepping into designer Tymone Winter’s creative process than a traditional retail environment. You’re encouraged to take your time, try things on, and talk through ideas, with Tymone right there to guide you.

The label itself has evolved over more than a decade, beginning with handbags before expanding into garments designed to match. Today, Empire of Genius is known for its signature interplay of hand-tooled leather lace and draped silk crepe de chine, pieces that feel both tactile and fluid. Alongside these are one-off, sparkly boho dresses and tailored pantsuits that have become enduring favourites, as well as a steady stream of new designs emerging almost monthly.

Even the name of the shop carries a sense of personality, a Mighty Boosh in-joke between Tymone and her partner. It’s fitting for a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet delivers something genuinely special: clothing with a story, made right where you stand.