During a recent trip to London, coinciding with the Billy Joel concert at BST Hyde Park, I made a pilgrimage that was just as exciting for a long-time fan: a visit to the Elton John Pop Up Store. Having seen glimpses on social media, I was particularly drawn to the promise of experiencing Elton’s legendary eyewear collection up close. My mission? To immerse myself in the world of Elton John Glasses and maybe even find a pair to call my own.
Located in the vibrant Soho district at 59 Greek Street, a mere ten-minute stroll from Piccadilly Circus, the store was easily accessible. Arriving around 11:30 am on a Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to find a tranquil atmosphere, with only a few other visitors present initially. The store’s exterior, a deep blue adorned with a vibrant, multi-coloured starburst around the entrance, immediately signaled that this was no ordinary retail space. The window displays offered a tantalizing preview, showcasing Elton John glasses against the backdrop of iconic images from his illustrious career.
Stepping inside, the friendly staff welcomed me into a realm dedicated to all things Elton. A black grand piano, elevated on a pedestal and crowned by a ‘halo’ of glasses, commanded attention. To the left, encased in glass, stood one of Elton’s most unforgettable costumes: the Donald Duck ensemble from his legendary 1980 Central Park concert. Naturally, photos were a must, capturing both the piano spectacle and the whimsical costume before I could fully delve into the eyewear wonderland.
Elton John's piano and glasses halo display at the pop-up store in Soho, London
The ground floor was predominantly dedicated to Elton John’s eyewear collection. Encouraged by the staff to try on any pair that caught my eye, I eagerly began exploring. While I had encountered a selection during a previous visit to Elton’s corner at Selfridges, the sheer volume and variety here were truly captivating. Each shelf held a treasure trove of frames, from bold and flamboyant to sleek and sophisticated, all embodying Elton’s signature style. Descriptions accompanying each collection provided insight into the inspirations behind the designs, adding another layer of appreciation. Amidst the everyday frames and sunglasses, I also noticed a range of ready-to-wear reading glasses, catering to every eyewear need.
Having already invested in a pair of Elton John sunglasses (the limited edition Dodgers glasses), I was now on the hunt for everyday frames. The selection was extensive, and it took delightful deliberation to try on numerous pairs, each offering a unique perspective and personality. The experience was like stepping into Elton’s own eyewear wardrobe, a testament to his enduring influence on fashion and personal expression through glasses.
Selection of Elton John glasses on display at the pop-up store
Beyond the dazzling array of Elton John glasses, the store offered a curated collection of other merchandise. Shirts, jackets, jewellery from Tateossian, banners by Oxford Pennant, vinyl records, and stylish bags filled the space. For those seeking the ultimate Elton keepsake, even a limited-edition Steiff teddy bear was available. Alongside the coveted frames I chose, I also picked up a tote bag commemorating Elton’s iconic 1970s Troubadour show and a banner proclaiming ‘Elton forever’ – perfect mementos of my visit. A stunning Tateossian bracelet also caught my eye, its price initially giving me pause, but its allure proved irresistible, leading to a return trip the next day to make it mine.
Before venturing downstairs, I added my own message to the visitor’s notebook, a small corner dedicated to fan sentiments. Downstairs revealed even more treasures, including Elton’s Watford collection apparel, hoodies, and long-sleeved shirts. However, the true highlight was the display of five more of Elton’s iconic costumes from the 70s and 80s, each complete with their signature Elton John glasses. The sequined Bob Mackie-designed costume from the ‘Tour de Force’ era was a particular standout, though the mohawk wig was sadly absent. Seeing these costumes up close, each with its meticulously chosen eyewear, reinforced the integral role glasses played in Elton’s stage persona and overall image.
Elton John's Bob Mackie "Tour de Force" costume with glasses on display
Tucked away at the back of the lower level, a playful area featured a sofa and a large screen under a disco ball. Here, a demo version of Elton’s Roblox game was showcased, though unfortunately, it was out of order during my visit. This minor technical hiccup aside, the overall experience remained overwhelmingly positive.
Leaving the Elton John Pop Up Store, my bags were fuller, my camera roll was brimming with photos, and my wallet was significantly lighter. But the joy of immersing myself in Elton’s world, particularly his spectacular glasses collection, and finding the perfect pair of frames, made it a truly memorable London outing.
For anyone in London before the end of July, a visit to the Pop Up Store on Greek Street is highly recommended. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the spectacle of Elton John’s career and, of course, to explore the dazzling world of Elton John glasses.
