10 luxury shopping destinations: around the world

Fashion and self–fashioning have always gone hand in hand. There has always been a component of self-definition and self-reflection in what people buy, how they travel and what they wear. Luxury today is not only defined by the travel/airline industry with the first class luxurious comfort of flights under Indian Airlines and many others; but also by luxury fashion brands across the world which have used this factor to their advantage and have created a “feel good” aura around their products to attract customers. Luxury products have ceased to be just symbols of great craftsmanship and have become a mark of how people want to be perceived.

The luxury fashion market has thus expanded tremendously over the last decade, both as luxury shopping online on famous brands like Luisaviaroma (Made in Florence) and also as brick-n-mortar stores spread across different fashion hubs. Here is a list of our favorite luxury shopping destinations from around the world and why we like them:

#1 – TOKYO

Tokyo stands for an ultra-feminine touch in its luxury fashion. Its quirky street style stores are filled with unisex clothes that define the modern fashion market. Kawaii as a sub-culture is a huge influence on the luxury market too. Brands like Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, BAPE and WTAPS are a hit for unconventional and experimental design.

#2 – PARIS

The streets of Paris are loaded with flagship boutiques and haute couture shops. It is not only the birth place of haute couture but also the fashion capital that has an unparalleled range of brands to shop from. The abundance of options to pick from defines the city’s place in the world fashion scene. Triangle d’ Or, the district around Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue Francois to find yourself in the middle of all the high end brand stores including Gucci, Dior, Hermes and Givenchy.

#3 – COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen is known for its chic minimalism and a sense of stripped down fashion.  The city is famous for its men’s wear and has a raw sense of style in its clothes. The idea is to make clothes that are utilitarian and effortless. A visit to the multiple boutiques and vintage wares in the city can get you a lot of casual yet modest picks. Vesterbrogade and KongensNytorv shopping street are two must try places.

#4 – LONDON

London is city of fine jewelry and luxury gifts. The Bond Street houses stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. and others. The city also has a multi-story market called the Dover Street Market where you can both shop from multiple brands and snack at the Rose Bakery.  Harrods can also be your destination if you want to find all the brands in one room along with a gourmet food hall. Fortnum & Mason gives you the option of buying designer luggage and house ware too.

#5 – NEW YORK

New Yorkers are all in for a lot of hard hitting avangarde fashion. The city is also daring enough to be open to subcultures like kitsch and neo punk. There is not one style that defines New York City but a large range of luxury fashion brands and independent boutiques make this city uber fashionable. Bergdorf’s is one of the oldest retailers in the city and a very strong competitor. Bloomingdales, 5^th Avenue and Pier 17 are also worth visiting.

#6 – MOSCOW

Moscow credits itself for a very dynamic and versatile interpretation of western aesthetics. A touch of Europe’s culture in combination with local aesthetics and age old artistic traditions of East produce a style unique to the city. A mixing of the old and new makes the city’s style unique. Designers like GoshaRubchinsky, UlynaSergeenko and VikaGazinskaya are the face of the city’s luxury fashion market.

#7 – HONG KONG

The luxury fashion market of Hong Kong is run from its oldest mall, The Landmark. It has the exclusive Harvey Nichols luxury department store along with Jimmy Choo, ManoloBlahnik, BottegaVeneta, Gucci and multiple other brands. The rich and wealthy Shanghai culture has an impact on the demand for these luxury brands. The fact that it is duty free zone boosts the market further.

#8 – MILAN

Milan is known for its fine Italian leather goods. It has a cosmopolitan influence of its fashion. It I also popular for its exquisite cuisine. The Quadrilatrod’Oro is the fashion rectangle of the city. It is part of the Monte Napolean shopping street and is filled with the likes of Dolce &Gabbana, Prada, Vlentino, Armani and other world renowned luxury fashion brands.

#9 – ABU DHABI, UAE

Known for offering you a VIP treatment, this city is also the home of the prestigious Galleria on Al Maryah Island. It oozes with luxury and fine taste in every way possible making it a perfect luxury fashion destination. A beautiful glass ceiling complex houses all the high end brands popular around the world. The Avenue At Etihad Towers has stores of brands like Chloe, Herve Leger and SalvotoreFerragamo.

#10 – TORONTO

Toronto is popular for its illustrious home décor market along with edgy jewellery pieces full of grace and elegance. The Yorkville Village is the perfect shopping destination for both these products. This shopping complex was redesigned with a glass façade on Avenue Road. The stores inside cover brands like Alexander Wang, Armani and Versace and Chanel. The market for luxury goods is ever growing in the city with more and more high end fashion brands flocking to the city every year.