Kiwi Curated
Fashion Week 2017: Where The Locals Shop
by Darren DunneOver the next four weeks, the world’s elite fashion houses occupy New York, London, Paris, and Milan to exhibit their designs for the coming year. For attendees, looking the part is a must, and Bo Derek had the right idea when she remarked, “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness, simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” In this week’s blog, we take her words to heart as we look at where the locals shop in each of the Fashion Week destinations, alongside some hotel inspiration.
Fashion Week 2017: Where The Locals Shop
Where to stay: Sofitel New York | Lotte New York Palace
Manhattan’s SoHo and Madison Avenue usually take the plaudits when Big Apple shopping is discussed, but there’s an oft-neglected option across the East River loved by locals. Brooklyn has undergone a renaissance in recent years, maintaining a distinct counter culture feel despite years of gentrification. There’s lots of mileage to be gleamed from simply strolling the streets and naturally discovering the options, but if time is of the essence, we recommend a foray into Cobble Hill or Williamsburg. Both are home to a mixture of vintage and thrift options, as well as all the major brands you’d find on Fifth Avenue.
Fashion Week 2017: Where The Locals Shop
Where to stay: Hotel Keppler | Hotel du Collectionneur
If you’re familiar with the movie Amélie, you’ll recognize the beautiful Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. This quaint corner of Paris was where the aforementioned Amélie would come to skip stones at the lock of the canal. The area looks exactly as it did on film, and it’s been favorably described as the Williamsburg of Paris. There’s a bustling shopping district here, centered around Rue de Marseille and Rue Beaurepaire. Former restaurants have been converted into concept boutiques and trendy brands have moved in en masse. For bargain hunters, there are end-of-season outlets for Sandro, Make and Claudie Pierlot.
Fashion Week 2017: Where The Locals Shop
Where to stay: The Hari | COMO The Halkin
Since Harrods set up shop in the mid-19th century, London’s Knightsbridge has steadily cultivated a reputation as ground zero for the UK fashion scene. This trendy suburb is located on the west side of the city, and boasts international brands such as Harvey Nichols, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blank and Prada. The area is also home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals with an apartment at One Hyde Park selling for a whopping $164 million USD in 2007. In summer, a day spent lounging in the nearby Hyde Park offers one of the city’s more relaxing diversions.
Fashion Week 2017: Where The Locals Shop
Where to stay: ME Milan Il Duca | NH Collection Milano President
Despite its status as a capital city of fashion, Milan still makes it possible to pick up a designer bargain. Locals prefer the many high-end outlet stores to the flagships and people watching of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The first port of call should be the outlets around the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, where top brands are available at discounts of up to 70 percent off (that is, if you’re ok with end-of-season fashions). One of Milan’s more storied outlets is Il Salvagente (which translates as “The Lifesaver”). This retail giant offers three floors of fashion and is worth dedicating an entire day to exploring. One drawback–it’s a little out of the city center to the east, but still reachable easily via public transit.
Where to stay: Sofitel New York | Lotte New York Palace
Manhattan’s SoHo and Madison Avenue usually take the plaudits when Big Apple shopping is discussed, but there’s an oft-neglected option across the East River loved by locals. Brooklyn has undergone a renaissance in recent years, maintaining a distinct counter culture feel despite years of gentrification. There’s lots of mileage to be gleamed from simply strolling the streets and naturally discovering the options, but if time is of the essence, we recommend a foray into Cobble Hill or Williamsburg. Both are home to a mixture of vintage and thrift options, as well as all the major brands you’d find on Fifth Avenue.
Where to stay: Hotel Keppler | Hotel du Collectionneur
If you’re familiar with the movie Amélie, you’ll recognize the beautiful Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. This quaint corner of Paris was where the aforementioned Amélie would come to skip stones at the lock of the canal. The area looks exactly as it did on film, and it’s been favorably described as the Williamsburg of Paris. There’s a bustling shopping district here, centered around Rue de Marseille and Rue Beaurepaire. Former restaurants have been converted into concept boutiques and trendy brands have moved in en masse. For bargain hunters, there are end-of-season outlets for Sandro, Make and Claudie Pierlot.
Where to stay: The Hari | COMO The Halkin
Since Harrods set up shop in the mid-19th century, London’s Knightsbridge has steadily cultivated a reputation as ground zero for the UK fashion scene. This trendy suburb is located on the west side of the city, and boasts international brands such as Harvey Nichols, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blank and Prada. The area is also home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals with an apartment at One Hyde Park selling for a whopping $164 million USD in 2007. In summer, a day spent lounging in the nearby Hyde Park offers one of the city’s more relaxing diversions.
Where to stay: ME Milan Il Duca | NH Collection Milano President
Despite its status as a capital city of fashion, Milan still makes it possible to pick up a designer bargain. Locals prefer the many high-end outlet stores to the flagships and people watching of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The first port of call should be the outlets around the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, where top brands are available at discounts of up to 70 percent off (that is, if you’re ok with end-of-season fashions). One of Milan’s more storied outlets is Il Salvagente (which translates as “The Lifesaver”). This retail giant offers three floors of fashion and is worth dedicating an entire day to exploring. One drawback–it’s a little out of the city center to the east, but still reachable easily via public transit.