For fashion devotees, a visit to New York, Paris, London or Milan would be akin to a pilgrimage that satiates one’s single-minded pursuit of style. Whether it is to shop for the latest in the complex, ever-changing world of fashion; to check out what fashionistas are favouring for the season; or to simply become a bystander and soak in the glamour quotient packed in these destinations, travel to any fashion capital in the world is a big high.
Come along and celebrate your love for fashion with a quick checklist of destinations that are fast making it to the top fashion slot. These select few destinations are certain to present myriad options to appease that restless fashion heart.
Melbourne
If you have been to Sydney, you might wonder what new plots could Melbourne possibly offer a fashion devotee like you… Lots, going by the reviews from fashion analysts who believe it is THE hub for all things creative in the fashion horizon of Australia. The annual Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF), held in March, is one. But you do not necessarily have to wait that long, for, Melbourne is a perfect amalgamation of street style, designer boutiques, as well as local brands. Denim lovers would want to head to ‘Nobody Denim’ for designer denim that is handmade in Australia.
Barcelona
Street shopping at Barcelona Shopping at El-Born, Barcelona Fashion Show at Barcelona
Barcelona’s popularity as a fashion destination has been spiralling in recent years, with experts calling it a fashion hotbed, thanks to its range of fashion options for incurable shoppers. From big fashion brands and one-off designer items to vintage exotics and street styles, it is, indeed, one of the greatest shopping destinations in Europe. There is a vibrancy about the place that is enhanced by the tolerant culture and the youthful milieu, giving fashion that extra edge to remain quirky in every sense of the word. While in Barcelona, make it a point to visit the quaint, historic streets of El Born, Gotic and El Raval for the latest in fashion wear.
Tokyo
Anime Fashion in Tokyo Shibuya District in Tokyo
With its fashion industry growing by leaps and bounds, Tokyo has well established its credentials in the travel market as a must-visit fashion destination. Its fashion premise is visually arresting, with an eclectic mix of intriguing influences, ranging from its anime culture to porcelain dolls. Even the high fashion brands present a peek into its vibrant street styles. There is an element of diversity and a striking novelty in its fashion presentations, giving it a pleasantly eccentric fashion touch.
Moscow
Moscow can overwhelm you with its confluence of history, architecture, traditions and the flow of people from different walks of life. But if you are seeking fashion, and only fashion, this metropolis will not disappoint you. Visit Artplay, the centre of art in modern-day Moscow, to check out shops that deal in fashion wear for the soul. There is so much to get inspired here from the artists and designers, as well as the colourful lives of locals. The GUM Shopping Centre on Red Square is another must-visit place for fashion consumers. Here you will find designer clothes from high-end brands, couture labels as well as local boutiques. Fashion, it appears, has taken cues from art and street culture to present a panorama of distinct style notes.
Istanbul
Turkey’s fashion industry has made its mark on the global stage by moving from behind the scenes as a manufacturing hub to the front, as a leading world design centre. And Istanbul has blossomed into a colourful and dynamic fashion destination. With so much to offer in terms of shopping variety, from high end global and Turkish brands to more practical less expensive choices, Istanbul shopping streets have become icons for shopping pilgrims. Grand Bazaar, with its narrow, maze-like streets and haggling shop owners, is a must-visit place. However, if the bazaar is not really your thing, then head for the boutiques and shops on the high streets of Istanbul to get your shopping fix.
Grand Bazar at Istanbul Cevahir Mall at Istanbul Fashion Show at Istanbul
Start with İstiklal Caddesi, one of Istanbul’s main shopping streets, which runs from Taksim Square all the way to Tünel. Here you will find every brand imaginable, from local to international names. Follow that with Serdar-ı Ekrem Serdar-ı Ekrem, a cobble-stoned street near the historic Galata Tower, which is known for its small boutiques. The Turkish designer Arzu Kaprol has his major showroom on the street along with beautiful antiques at Kashif Sofa. For high fashion and exclusive global and Turkish brands, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi houses everything from Armani and Louis Vuitton to Prada. Turkish fashion brands also have a big following on the street with Vakko and Beymen shops that form a part of Turkey’s premier luxury brands. Located in the Nişantaşı neighbourhood, which is known for its luxury shopping experience, İpekçi Caddesi is for shoppers with an expensive taste.