QUESTION: What does The Salvation Army have in common with London Fashion Week?

ANSWER: A newly revamped charity shop collection of second-hand designer and vintage clothing at bargain prices in the heart of Oxford Circus; a stone’s throw away from the London College of Fashion; a hop, skip and a jump from trendy Hanover Square; and launched in time for one of fashion’s busiest weeks.

The Salvation Army Trading Company holds the keys to one of London’s hidden fashion gems. One of the only charity shops in the heart of the city’s shopping district, the Princes Street boutique is behind bustling Oxford Street and has got a new look for 2015, just in time for London Fashion Week (20-24 February).

Shop Manager, Natalie Thomas is excited about the shop’s facelift: “We’ve been spending months curating our collection of second-hand items, so it’s exciting to get it onto the shop floor for our customers. We’ve had a wonderful response so far, which isn’t a surprise really, especially when I’m hanging out items from the likes of Balenciaga, Celine and Ralph Lauren!

“I’ve been here for 15 years and our little charity shop has always been known by local fashionistas for being a hidden gem; our location means we’re lucky to have some very generous donations from local residents and businesses. It’s wonderful to be able to offer a fuller range of higher end, fantastic quality items because we know that’s what many of our customers are looking for.”

The Princes Street shop’s boutique range of clothing sits beside its traditional offering of second-hand clothing, accessories, books, vinyl and household items.

Natalie adds: “We’re in a wonderfully unique position whereby we can offer affordable second-hand high street clothes alongside affordable second-hand designer items. I don’t think we’ll stay ‘hidden’ for much longer… but that’s ok because the more business we do, the more money we raise for The Salvation Army!”

Natalie and her team at the Salvation Army shop in Princes Street are always on the hunt for good quality donations and enthusiastic volunteers. If you have skills you can share – for example, a flare for window dressing, a good eye for a bargain or great customer service – pop into the shop or give the team a call.

Address: 9 Princes Street, London, W1B 2LQ

Telephone: 020 7493 1909