DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION • August 2016
Fashion insider: Europe’s secret shopping streets
You wouldn’t limit your London shopping trip to Bond Street – so why do the same when you go on holiday? Here, five style experts from Europe’s most exciting fashion capitals take The Club off the beaten track
Berlin
Taylor Barringer, editor-in-chief of art magazine Sleek
Where: Mitte, a knotted mess of roads running from Hackescher Markt to Rosenthaler Platz.
The vibe: Most tourists don’t know it’s here, so you’ll mainly see locals wandering the cobbled streets. You’ll find stores stocking a mix of high- and low-end, creative and hard-to-find items, designer and high-street clothes, plus awesome food.
The crowd: Young, creative professionals – photographers, fashion bloggers, magazine editors and stylists.
Flash the cash: I buy all my glasses (I have eight pairs) from Ace & Tate (above). I also like to visit Do You Read Me?!, an amazing magazine shop with a wide selection of art and fashion titles. Kauf Dich Glücklich is excellent for homeware and accessories.
Milan
Carolina Mazzolari, art director
Where: Via Santa Marta and Via Nerino, two small streets behind the Duomo.
The vibe: Packed with chic independent lifestyle stores, Via Santa Marta is hugely popular during Milan Design Week (pictured above). For the rest of the year, it’s calm and cool.
The crowd: Arty types.
Flash the cash: I love Laboratorio Paravicini, which is tucked away in a little courtyard. It sells the most beautiful hand-painted plates with contemporary designs. Wait and See stocks a lovely selection of clothes and curiosities, and BDDW has wonderful, unique bits for your home.
Copenhagen
Marie Jedig, fashion blogger at mariejedig.com
Where: People normally go to Strøget (Denmark’s largest shopping street) and overlook the smaller, hidden streets. I prefer the area around Gammel Mønt.
The vibe: Trendy. You’re more likely to find up-and-coming designers than big fashion houses.
The crowd: It’s a street for those who really appreciate fashion.
Flash the cash: Holly Golightly, Storm and Wood Wood (above) all epitomise Copenhagen fashion. Storm does a street-inspired edit of high-end brands such as Céline, Maison Kitsúné, Adidas and Moschino, alongside a selection of great coffee-table books and kitschy souvenirs such as sweets and stationery.
Paris
Georgia Hardinge, fashion designer
Where: La Rue Commines, to the northeast of the Marais, has so many great boutiques it’s no wonder Parisians tend to keep it to themselves.
The vibe: This is a historic district with the most beautiful architecture and boutiques to suit everyone, from lovers of vintage to window shoppers.
The crowd: From the young and fashionable, to vintage lovers and window shoppers.
Flash the cash: Twins For Peace sells hip shoes for a great cause. Its beaded trainers are awesome – it has a huge selection, featuring all different kinds of ribbons, print and embroidery.
Madrid
Emily Cater, associate editor at trend forecaster, WGSN
Where: Chueca is the city’s most happening neighbourhood. Visit Calle Fuencarral for young sneaker brands and denim, and Calle de Fernando VI for great design-led stores.
The vibe: The area bustles not only with shops, but also with lively bars and tapas restaurants.
The crowd: Shoppers who appreciate the emerging design scene in Chueca, and the cool vintage stores lining the Calle Corredera Alta de San Pablo and Calle del Barco.
Flash the cash: DO Design stocks beautiful homeware, prints, accessories, magazines and stationery. If you want a souvenir, pick up some colourful swimwear from Eres or TCN.
Interviews by Alice Tate
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination