London in the 1970’s was the starting point of the ‘Hippie Trail’. Heading east from the capital it was possible to see the world on a pound a day and travel overland to India and the South East Asian nations such as Thailand and Nepal. Whilst many stayed out in foreign climbs for many years, a number of enterprising travellers returned and brought back exotic items of clothing and jewellery.

As textiles from places such as Rajasthan and Afghanistan and many other unusual and out of the way places filled the market, the business began to expand beyond its market stall origins. The company opened its first store under the Monsoon brand name in May 1973 in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge.

In 1984, the fast growing company opened a new store with a new brand that would go on to sell Accessorize watches. The new chain opened in London’s Covent Garden and created a new marketing concept for the sale of fashion accessories such as hair fascinators, Accessorize watches, bracelets and a number of other similar items.

Today, the Accessorize brand can be found in more than 1000 stores internationally as well online at the Watch Hut.