Visiting London is always a treat, but during my recent trip, coinciding with the Billy Joel concert at BST Hyde Park, I had a unique experience that any Elton John fan would adore: a visit to Elton’s Pop Up Store in Soho. Having seen glimpses of it on social media, I was particularly drawn to the promise of exploring Elton John’s legendary eyewear collection up close. Beyond the glasses, I was eager to see what other treasures the store held. My friend from Austria joined me, and we set off to immerse ourselves in the world of Elton.
Located at 59 Greek Street, Soho, the pop-up store was easy to find, just a pleasant 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus. We arrived around 11:30 am on a Saturday, and to our delight, we were the only customers initially, giving us ample space to explore. The store’s exterior was a striking dark blue, punctuated by a vibrant multicolour star motif around the entrance, immediately signaling the flamboyant personality within. The window displays were already captivating, showcasing a selection of Elton’s iconic glasses against a backdrop of large photos spanning his illustrious career.
Stepping inside, we were warmly greeted by the staff and immediately drawn to a black grand piano. It wasn’t just any piano; it was elevated on a pedestal and crowned with a ‘halo’ of – you guessed it – glasses! To the left, encased in glass, was a piece of music history: the Donald Duck costume Elton famously wore at his unforgettable Central Park concert in 1980. Naturally, photos were a must, capturing both the piano spectacle and the iconic costume before we ventured further into the retail space.
Elton John's Donald Duck costume on display at the pop-up store, a highlight from his legendary 1980 Central Park concert.
The ground floor was predominantly dedicated to Elton John’s extensive eyewear collection – a dazzling array that truly showcases his signature style. The staff encouraged us to try on any pair that caught our eye, which we enthusiastically did. While I had seen a curated selection of Elton’s glasses at his corner shop in Selfridges during a previous London visit, the sheer volume here was astounding. Choosing a pair became a delightful, albeit lengthy, process as I navigated the myriad styles, finally settling on the perfect everyday frames. Having already acquired the limited edition Dodgers sunglasses, I was now focused on finding spectacles for daily wear. Between the shelves, informative cards detailed each glasses collection, revealing the inspiration behind their designs – a thoughtful touch that added depth to the browsing experience. The inclusion of ready-to-wear reading glasses was also a practical and welcome addition.
A display shelf showcasing a variety of Elton John's signature glasses at the pop-up store in Soho, London.
Beyond the eyewear, the store was a treasure trove of Elton John memorabilia and merchandise. Racks of shirts and jackets, gleaming jewellery from Tateossian, and eye-catching banners from Oxford Pennant presented a diverse range of options. Vinyl records and stylish bags catered to music lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike. For the ultimate Elton collector, even a limited edition Steiff teddy bear was available, albeit at a premium price. Alongside my chosen glasses, I purchased a tote bag commemorating Elton’s iconic 1970’s Troubadour show and a banner proclaiming ‘Elton forever’ – perfect souvenirs to remember the visit. A stunning bracelet by Tateossian also caught my eye, its price initially giving me pause, but its allure proved too strong, leading to a return trip the next day to make it mine.
Elton John merchandise including tote bags and banners available at the pop-up store, celebrating his iconic career.
Before heading downstairs, we added our own messages to a guest notebook, a charming touch allowing visitors to leave their mark. Downstairs unveiled even more delights, including Elton’s Watford collection, alongside cozy hoodies and long-sleeved shirts. However, the true highlight was the display of five more of Elton’s spectacular costumes from the 70s and 80s, each paired with – what else? – iconic glasses. The sequined Bob Mackie-designed costume from the ‘Tour de Force’ era was a particular standout, though I did note the absence of the mohawk wig, a minor detail in an otherwise breathtaking display.
A sequined Bob Mackie costume worn by Elton John during his 'Tour de Force' era, complete with signature glasses, showcased downstairs.
Tucked away at the back of the lower level was a playful area, complete with a sofa and disco ball, creating a relaxed vibe. A large screen showcased a demo of Elton’s Roblox game. Unfortunately, it was out of order during our visit, which was a slight disappointment in an otherwise flawless experience.
Play area with a screen displaying Elton John's Roblox game demo, located in the downstairs section of the pop-up store.
Overall, our visit to the Elton John Pop Up Store was an absolute joy. We left with bags full of unique merchandise, a camera roll brimming with photos, and wallets considerably lighter, but filled with the satisfaction of a truly memorable experience. It was, without a doubt, a highlight of our London trip.
For anyone in London before the end of July, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Pop Up Store on Greek Street. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Elton John’s world, especially his iconic glasses and flamboyant style. Don’t miss it!
Photos courtesy of Melanie Hentschel.
