If you have been gripped by a serious case of envy, because all your favourite bloggers and fashionista celebrities jet off to corners of the world that are drop dead gorgeous, you are not alone. But, of course, these Instagram-perfect images you see, have said influencers putting their best fashionable foot forward against picturesque backgrounds – you can’t be strutting around in anything but while on vacation now, can you?
While Paris, New York, Tokyo, London and Milan have been the reigning fashion capitals for the longest time, there are smaller, lesser-heard of locations in the world that are just as, if not more, beautiful and have a lot to offer in the way of a fashion scene. So, if you are looking for a splurge and would like to take that edgy dress that’s sitting at the back of your closet out on the town, we recommend you jet off to the following locations right away!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The seaside city in Brazil is well known for the giant ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue and its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. But its bustling fashion scene is hardly a secret! Santa Teresa houses some of the best vintage stores, restaurants and art studios; if retro fashion is on your list, head on there. You can go bargain-hunting in the bazaars of Saara; to shop boho-chic wear, Ipanema is the place to go. Bursting with colour, life and music, it’s so easy to lose oneself in the allure of Rio.
Mykonos, Greece
Jet off to spend a summer on this Greek island which will change your life! The crystal clear ocean, pale sand beaches and the cutest of cafés dotting the banks make for some of the most breathtaking scenes. And if you need a serious break from the mundane, you can dance from dawn till dusk at the many lively dance clubs here. When it comes to fashion, travelers and residents alike are always sporting their freshest, summery picks. That’s not all, Chora, also known as Mykonos town, boasts of an adventurous shopping scene – we say adventurous because the streets are not all named and finding your way will lead you to charming little corners. The streets are dotted with trendy boutiques that sell sophisticated clothing, souvenir shops, art galleries, bakeries and high-end jewellery stores!
Capri, Italy
If you are in love with the beautiful blue ocean, a trip to Capri is a must! This Italian island is famous for its unusual landscape – a mix of coves, mountain formations and the sea. While the Blue Grotto where the sea shines with an electric blue hue and the old fortress of Monte Solaro are must-sees, the streets of Capri house a bounty of incredible restaurants, patisseries, luxury hotels, dress shops and emporiums. Head to Via Vittorio Emanuele for all things dripping in finesse; for budget finds Via le Botteghe is the place to go. Make sure you grab a pair of handmade leather sandals when you are at it!
Melbourne, Australia
Complete with towering architecture, a sparkling skyline and the Yarra River, Melbourne is Australia’s hub for food and fashion! Home to several Australian labels, the city is buzzing with some of the chicest clothing one can find; from affordable basics to quirky frocks and avante garde styles, it has got it all. Jet off to Australia to visit Chapel Street, studded with second-hand shops, boutiques selling accessories and high-end fashion labels, is sure to blow you away with the myriad of options it offers. For luxury buys, Collins Street will tickle your fancy; and Queen Victoria Market – the biggest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere – is a one-stop shop for everything under the sun!
Istanbul, Turkey
The glorious city of Istanbul combines the charms of both the east and the west in its picturesque vistas. But don’t just go there for the captivating Byzantine architecture, the Bosphorus Bridge, Hagia Sophia Museum and authentic Hammams. While Nisantasi houses the most exclusive fashion brands, the area around the Galata Tower is lined with local designer boutiques, antique stores and cafés along its cobblestone paths. The hip harbour-side Karaköy is vibrant with Ottoman-era buildings that house quirky fashion stores, art houses and eateries.