A curation of 15 destinations that combine a sensory mix of a luxury brand experience and stunning locales to inspire the Insta-loving traveller in you.
Travel for some is about vengeance, and this time it’s back with vanity. If you are a traveller who loves couture and culture equally, this exclusive and extravagant list of destinations around the world is all set to add razzle-dazzle to your dream tour.
GIVENCHY, PARIS
With its extravagant haute couture and exquisite tailoring, this city that woos the crème de la creme of fashion royalty is famous all over the world for its homegrown brands such as Gucci and Prada. No matter how many trends and fads change, Paris is clearly a favourite of the global glitterati. Christian Louboutin, Chanel and YSL owe their success to this city and when it comes to luxury, no place does it better than Paris. The luxurious Givenchy store is a must-visit. Visit in July for some really unbelievable discounts. Indulge yourself in the Boulevard Saint Germain, Rue du Com- merce and bring a wardrobe souvenir from the iconic Givenchy, Hermes, Louis Vuitton or Dior.
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, NEW YORK, THE US
Madison and Fifth Avenues are packed with luxury boutiques and upscale department stores that cater to shopaholics. This is the place where you’ll find Barneys New York, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Saks Fifth Avenue among dozens of other high-end boutiques and premier shopping destinations. Walking down Fifth Avenue gives you a chance to window shop and enjoy New York City landmarks around Midtown, just a few blocks away. As one of the world’s great shopping destinations, it’s no surprise that New York enjoys more than its fair share of luxury pop-ups. The latest and the most tempting option is the Italian brand Salvatore Ferragamo, which has taken a 250 sq m space at 63 Greene Street, in the heart of the city’s trendy SoHo district.
LOUIS VUITTON, MILAN
As one of the world’s design capitals, Milan is home to some of Italy’s most renowned designer brands as well as a rich medley of independent boutiques and international stores, located in the famous Italian shopping streets. The city is known for world-renowned fashion designers including Miuccia Prada, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Domenico Dolce, amongst others. Milan is a versatile destination for lovers of fashion. When you’re on the market for the finest Italian leather goods or the latest designer collections, make sure you visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Couture from Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and other world-renowned designers would bring alive the feel of this shopping paradise to you.
JACQUEMUS, LONDON, THE UK
You’ll need to make your way to London’s Bond Street for the latest designer fashions, fine jewellery and luxury gifts. This is where you’ll find the famed Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. stores. You could treat yourself at Harrods, shopping at every department and enjoying gourmet food, or even at Fortnum & Mason, where you can buy designer luggage, houseware and clothing in a regal setting. Another highlight is the recent concept by fashion brand Jacquemus at London’s Selfridge’s that is touted to be a grand success.
BALENCIAGA, BEVERLY HILLS, LOS ANGELES
While spotting celebrities in Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, go around the famous street that’s home to The Rodeo Collection shopping mall. It’s a stunning destination to explore during holidays. You’ll need several days to explore all the upscale designer stores on Rodeo Drive. This is where you’ll find designer boutiques, including Agent Provocateur, Balenciaga, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Lacoste and Ralph Lauren, among many others. Do not forget to visit the stores in Beverly and Canon drives, just a few blocks east of Rodeo Drive. And be sure to make your rounds in the “Golden Triangle” of department stores, home to Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York.
DOLCE & GABBANA, MIAMI
Escape to your own island oasis in Bal Harbour to shop at the three-storied shopping centre that’s home to Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and dozens of luxury retail shops. Here, you’ll find European brands and designer collections of Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior. Miami’s open-air setting has lush landscaping and waterfalls, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing shopping retreat. Shop from high-end boutiques, including the Kardashian’s DASH store on Collins Avenue and Alchemist in Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach.
LOUIS VUITTON, LAS VEGAS
On your next Las Vegas vacation, get the royal treatment while you shop at the luxury shopping hotspots around the city. You’ll need to explore some of the larger hotels and resorts to get your luxe shopping fix in Vegas. The Venetian is home to the Grand Canal Shoppes and Barneys New York, a fashion emporium where you can find exclusive couture collections. The Wynn Las Vegas has its own House of Chanel, Cartier, Chloe and other boutiques in the Wynn Esplanade. The Forum at Caesars Palace is known as the “The Shopping Wonder of the World,” home to 160 specialty stores, including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Valentino.
BURBERRY, CHICAGO
The Magnificent Mile is home to hundreds of designer brands, retailers, department stores and more. Catch up on the latest fashion trends at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue, and shop the six floors of Bloomingdale’s, the Chicago flagship store. Take a walk from store to store to round up your fair share of Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Giorgio Armani pieces, and then settle in for a delicious meal at one of the many fine dining destinations and upscale bistros nearby.
COACH, HONOLULU
If it’s time to splurge on designer gifts, clothing and home goods, make your way to Luxury Row in Honolulu. This high-end shopping complex boasts 111,000 square feet of shopping space and is home to Coach, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and more. It’s where you’ll find Chanel’s three-level store. Another open-air destination to explore is the Ala Moana Centre, the world’s largest outdoor shopping centre. You’ll find high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, as well as REDValentino, Miu Miu and Diane von Furstenberg.
MICHAEL KORS, SINGAPORE
Treat your eyes to Southeast Asia if you’re looking for a complete shopping experience. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is home to many designer boutiques. If you consider yourself a luxurious shopper, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands also offers a personal shopping style service where you must book an appointment. Another great shopping destination in Singapore is ION Orchard, where you can indulge in many luxury brands. As a tourist, you can also enjoy a complimentary limousine airport transfer after spending at least $5,000.
DANIEL HECHTER, BUENOS AIRES
Experience fashion, art and culture at Galerias Pacifico, a luxury shopping complex decorated with murals! The site is a spectacular National Historic Monument and caters to more than 9,00,000 well-heeled shoppers every month. You’ll find more than 150 stores and a food court with plenty of options. The store lineup includes the likes of Daniel Hechter, Cuesta Blanca, Crocs, Grimoldi and Nicole Lee.
MANOLO BLAHNIK, HONG KONG
The Landmark is one of the oldest shopping malls in Hong Kong, to indulge in a few rounds of luxury shopping. It boasts the exclusive Harvey Nichols luxury department store, as well as Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Bottega Veneta, Gucci and others. The stores are housed in four buildings: the Landmark Alexandra, Landmark Atrium, Landmark Chater and Landmark Prince’s.
ALEXANDER WANG, TORONTO
Make your way to Yorkville Village for a luxury shopping experience to shop for designer fashion, stunning jewellery pieces or extravagant home decor. This redeveloped shopping complex is designed with a glass facade on Avenue Road and is where you can shop for designer clothing and luxury items from the likes of Alexander Wang, Armani Collezioni and Versace. Plus, it promises to be Toronto’s one of the hottest travel destinations where your dollar goes far.
ULYANA SERGEENKO, MOSCOW
Moscow is known for its very dynamic and versatile interpretation of Western aesthetics. A prominent touch of Europe’s culture in combination with local aesthetics and age-old artistic traditions of the East, produce a style unique to the city. Designers such as Gosha Rubchinskiy, Ulyana Sergeenko and Vika Gazinskaya are the face of the city’s luxury fashion market.
HERMÈS, COPENHAGEN
With its chic minimalism and a sense of stripped down fashion, Copenhagen is indeed a fashion paradise. The city is famous for its menswear stores with a raw side. The couture is both utilitarian and effortless. A visit to the multiple boutiques and vintage ware stores in the city can get you a lot of casual yet modest picks. Vesterbrogade and Kongens Nytorv shopping streets are two must-try places. If you’re looking for the ultimate fashionable trip, Copenhagen is the true home of great design and chic stays. The city’s local fashion crowd frequent more than just boutiques and department stores, as Scandinavia’s fashion capital is filled with trendy spots to eat, drink, visit, and stay. The Hermes store is one of the favourites of all fashion lovers.
Text by: Aishwarya Chattoraj