Itching for some retail therapy on your travels (or transit) but don’t have time to visit all the stores? You can have it all (hurrah!) – these multi-label stores around the world carry cult and coveted brands so if you can only make one stop when traveling to any of these cities, make it these:
#1 Paris: Colette
What: This three floor shopping heaven is a destination in itself. Having been around for more than a decade, it’s still going strong as the mecca for everything cool and fashion. Mixing serious fashion labels like Isabel Marant, Maison Martin Margiela, Balmain and Lanvin to quirky knick knacks from all over the world, there’s everything from tech-savvy gadgets (iPhones dipped in gold, anyone?) to books and magazines – you’ll want everything!
Where: 213 Rue Saint-Honoré
#2 Milan: Banner
What: Located smack in the middle of Milan’s shopping district, you’ll find some of the most cutting-edge labels here: Acne, Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane, Junya Watanabe, Marc Jacobs, Moncler, Reed Krakoff and Stella McCartney are some of them. You’ll also be able to score limited editions and cool wares – the boutique often collaborates with designers and contemporary artists.
Where: Via Sant’Andrea, 8
#3 London: Dover St Market
What: This isn’t just any market, it’s the most avant-garde, fashion forward “market” in the world. After all, the 6-storey retail and concept store was founded by Rei Kawakubo of Japanese fashion stalwart Comme des Garçons. From fashion finds to quirky curiosities, the labels they carry include Paco Rabanne, Givenchy, Lanvin, Alaïa, Tom Binns (and more) plus cool collaborations like Pharrell Williams for Moynat.
Where: 17-18 Dover Street, W1S 4LT
#4 Singapore: Club 21b
What: In the bustling Asian fashion hub that is Singapore, Club 21b brings all the cool to one place. A sister brand of luxury retailer Club 21 (responsible for bringing in labels like Balenciaga and Armani), this fashion emporium has all the all the edgy fashion labels from around the world: Acne Studios, Isabel Marant, Opening Ceremony, Rodarte…don’t forget your credit cards!
Where: 01-07/08/08 Forum The Shopping Mall, Orchard Road
#5 Bangkok: Next to Normal
What: As the name suggests, this multi-label store caters to those looking for something beyond normalcy – something better. They’ve got fashion brands you won’t find anywhere else in Bangkok: Band of Outsiders, Mawi, Maison Martin Margiela, J Brand and Kitsune are some.
Where: 1st Floor, CentralWorld, 74/9 Rama 1 Rd.
#6 Tokyo: Restir
What: Tokyo’s answer to Paris’ Colette, Restir first opened in 2007 and it’s still one of the hottest store in Tokyo, carrying a wide range of curated fashion and lifestyle items from both international and Japanese brands. The edgy black floors and lighting will make you feel like you’re in a gallery and the goods displayed, wearable art (which is exactly what they are).
Where: 9 Chome-6-17 Akasaka, Minato, 107-0052
#7 Dubai: Sauce Boutique
What: In need of some colour in your wardrobe? Whether in the form of quirky jewellery or ready-to-wear, Sauce will fix that. Located at the shopping mecca that is Dubai Mall, Sauce carries colourful covetable labels from the likes of Mary Katrantzou, Mara Hoffman, Zimmerman and Preen mixed with unique items from up-and-coming designers.
Where: 1st Floor, Fashion Section, Dubai Mall
#8 Melbourne: Incu
What: Inspired by their love of travel (we can relate to that!), twin brothers Brian and Vincent Wu opened their first boutique in Sydney back in 2007 aiming to bring uprising labels from around the world, under one roof. Now they’re under many roofs, with 7 stores carrying cool labels like ACNE Studios, A.P.C, Comme Des Garçons, Karen Walker, Frame Denim, Mansur Gavriel – the list goes on.
Where: Shop ACL 9 & 12, QV Albert Coates Lane
Where do you get your retail therapy fix around the world, nomads?
Image credit: Main, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
