There is something to be said about going on a trip for the sole purpose of shopping. I am definitely not that lucky, nor would I make a trip for just that reason. Ok, I take that back. Should I have all the money in the world available to me, I of course would take vacations to go shopping in the most swanky spots on the globe. I sure would love to bust out an AMEX Black Card in these cities, shop till my feet hurt, and feel like I am Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I know, I know, a bit of a fantasy, but a girl can dream. Besides, I plan to be able to do all of these things one day. Knowing what you want only helps you get there faster. Or maybe I will have some rich old uncle leave behind his multi-billion dollar empire to his favorite niece, although that seems a bit far-fetched considering none of my uncles are rich. I’m definitely not the type to want or look for a sugar-daddy, nor would my bf D. be very happy with this plan, so looks like this girl has a lot of work to do. But, I digress. Let’s get to it. The Travel Channel listed these ten cities as the top luxury shopping destinations of the world.
Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
Los Angeles has more than its fair share of luxury stores, homes, cars, you name it. Rodeo Drive is their namesake and with a zip code of 90210, you can bet almost anyone in the world (thanks to the TV show) knows where this lands on the map. Although only a short three blocks, you can’t step foot into any of these stores without dumping an arm and a leg on even the smallest of items. Celebrities know to frequent this street if they want to have their pictures in the next gossip mag (even when they swear they hate it) as they do some damage to their bank accounts. With over 100 boutiques and some fancy hotels sprinkled in, you are sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Look for stores such as Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Hermes, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino, Versace and many more.
Champs Elysees
Paris, France
By far the most well-known shopping street in Paris, famed for its wide sidewalks and the looming Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees is a site to be seen. I can’t guarantee you will be treated the same if you don’t carry tons of money (and believe me, they will know by just looking at you), but it’s worth seeing this place with your own eyes. Only the most luxurious of stores will be found here, and the Louis Vuitton store at 101 Champs Elysees is an architectural gem. In fact, it is said that you’ll never seen anything quite like it. Venture off this street to another shopping stretch on Avenue Montaigne with shops like Dior, Chanel, Chloe and French fashion house Courrèges alongside international design powerhouses.
Fifth Avenue
New York, New York
Oh how I would love to visit New York. But, that’s a whole other story. Like the Travel Channel said, you can channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and stroll the Avenue. Home to the original Saks Fifth Avenue at 49th Street, and continues uptown to meet other big-name department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel where the old-money ladies do lunch and nouveau-riche fashionistas employ personal shoppers. FAO Schwartz also has their flagship store here, and if you have seen the movie Big, you know all about the huge dance-on-floor piano.
Via Montenapoleone
Milan, Italy
Milan is known as the world’s fashion capital with no shortage of high-end shops and cutting edge boutiques. From what I understand, many of the most coveted shops are only recognizable by the true fashionistas, those who comb through Vogue and and international fashion magazines for the cutting-edge trends. Big name designers Giorgio Armani, Mila Schon and Gianni Versace all started their careers here and you can find their shops along this street. For gorgeous Italian shoes, shoppers head to Tanino Crisci and Ferragamo, while Frette and La Perla provide to-die-for lingerie. Sigh….. oh how I want more money!
Orchard Road
Singapore
This shopping mecca is one of the busiest spots in Singapore with tourists, hip teens, shoppers and sometimes even celebrities checking out the scene. With the opening of a multi-use space consisting of residences, art galleries and a super shopping mall known as the ION Orchard, this trendy locale became even hotter. Dior, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Miu Miu all have homes here and outside of the mall, the high-end Indian emporium Mumbai Se is another place you must see.
What do you think of the first five spots? Have you shopped at any of these locations? If so, can you bring me next time? I promise to be good and you’ll have a great time, I swear! Leave a comment below with any info you’d like to share!
Look for Part 2 next!
Love, K.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great list! I will never be the woman who can shop at all these wonderful stores, but I look forward to going to the Champs-Elysees this summer with my husband, if just to window shop. I also hear that Oxford Street is the place to go in London. The closest I’ve been to a shopping destination is Las Vegas, because of all the high-end stores, and I’m from Chicago, and there are a lot of great stores, so maybe the Magnificent Mile could be on the list too.
Look for today’s posting of the next five!! I happen to be coming to Chicago for my first time this summer. We should chat! I’d love to get some advice from you
As you know, it will definitely be making a few posts as the time gets closer!! xK
Sounds great! I moved to St. Louis to get married two years ago, but I spent the previous 7 years living and working in downtown, and I was born there. You can email me if you’d like to talk more about Chicago!
All are great destinations…but Via Montenapoleone only offers the Real Time Window Shopping……just to suffering a little more