We regularly update the LUXE app with inside intel sourced from our smart and savvy global resident editors. Here’s the skinny on some of the chicest shops around the world. Ready to get spendy, Wendy?
The Cartel, Dubai
At last, a long-awaited antidote to Dubai’s label mania. Hip arts hub Alserkal Ave plays host with the most to this slick industrialist’s fash/art mash-up with moody monochrome aplomb. Skim the achingly avant-garde racks lined with global envelope-pushers and local luminaries like Essa and Amber Feroz, then hang about for regular curated events, including film nights, exhibs and indie gigs.
Tip: cARTel offers a VIP home n’ hotel service where new prods are delivered straight to you, but with a space this cool, we recommend you rock up.
The Cartel, Unit 6, Alserkal Ave, Street 17, Dubai, +97 1 4388 4341, thecartel.me
Monocle Eyewear, Rome
Spec-tactular white box with a focus on hard-to-find sunnies from the likes of Lucas de Stael, Margiela, Kubouram, Cutler and Gross and Thierry Lasry among others. Just watch where you’re browsing, lest you bump into a Bellucci.
Monocle Eyewear, Via di Campo Marzio, 13, Pantheon, Rome, +39 06 683 3668, monocle-store.com
Vatanika, Bangkok
Standout collection of thoroughly modern, ladylike silhouettes in a bold palette of block colours and striking prints. With collections sold in gay Paree and worn by the likes of Ms Delevingne, Vatanika is one of the few Thai designers to make it on the international runway.
Vatanika, 1/F Siam Paragon, Bangkok, +66 2 663 7258, vatanika-design.com
We Built This City, London
Revolutionising the quite frankly dreadful souvenir scene in London, this fab designer collab promotes local talent and whimsical design with Big Smoke-inspired limited edition prints, quirk-chic crockery, arty books and stacks of other curated, irreverent knick-knacks. And all with nary a Prince George commemorative plate in sight!
We Built This City, 56-57 Carnaby St, W1, London, webuilt-thiscity.com
Yamada Heiando, Tokyo
Looking for some wow-factor china? Here lie plates fit for a king, nay, emperor – YH is the Japanese imperial fam’s go-to for exquisite lacquer tableware and decor pieces. Stock up on cherry blossom chopsticks, black n’ gold brushed sake bowls and pretty jewel boxes, while smart phone cases and intricately painted pen sets make sweet souvenirs.
Yamada Heiando, G-202 Hillside Terrace, 18-12 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, heiando1919.com
Wilhelmina Garcia, Barcelona
Bell ahead for an appointment at this private, weekday-only showroom and atelier, turning out exquisite handmade-in-Barça baubles. Drawing inspiration from pretty flotsam and industrial bobs like fish bones, bird skulls and horseshoes, whimsical pieces come in 18k gold vermeil and sterling silver, with onyx, chalcedony and rose quartz embellishments.
Wilhelmina Garcia, Provença, 287, Eixample, Barcelona, wilhelminagarcia.com
Rue de Charonne, Paris
The birthplace of today’s go-to shab-chic aesthetic, Paris is hands down the best sashay n’ spend town – particularly in fusty-fab strip rue de Charonne in the 11th. In this picturesque nabe you’ll find a slew of on-trend boutiques including SoWeAre, Frenchtrotters and Misericordia, plus a romantic, leafy diversion by way of Passage de l’Homme with its charming crumbly cobblestones and sweet toy store.
Tip: whatever you do, don’t miss bijou treasure box Cabinet de Curiosités de Monsieur Honoré (pictured above)!
