Must-Visit Designer Luxury Shopping Spots Around the World

Posted March 1, 2016 in Lifestyle by Janine St.Denis

Navigator Magazine has created a comprehensive list of top, must-visit shopping spots in the United States, Europe & beyond.

Fifth Ave New York

01 Fifth Avenue, New York City, United States

Fifth Avenue is one of the most iconic streets in the world. Internationally recognized as Holly Golightly’s favorite breakfast spot in the beloved film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” not only does it offer an impressive heritage, but it also is the perfect place to procure all of the fashion industry’s most sought-after labels. Here you can find it all, from luxury department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel and Saks Firth Avenue, to top jewelers, such as Cartier, De Beers and Harry Winston. And if you need a mid-shop snack or libation, the street is lined with impressive eats and haunts, including the Armani Ristorante, BG Restaurant and the Baccarat Hotel.

Bal Harbor Miami

02 Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, Florida, United States

Whether you’re escaping the winter blues during the winter months or discovering the summer sunshine, South Florida is more than just bikinis and beaches. Just north of Miami is the easily accessible luxurious little Bal Harbour Village. Home to the exceptional Bal Harbour Shops, there’s no better place to pick out a new swimsuit to debut on the golden sands. Bal Harbour recently celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 5, 2016, with more than 2,000 VIPs at a star-studded event featuring a Brunello Cucinelli fashion show. In the last year, the Shops has been adding to its list of luxury stores, including French perfumer Diptyque, the first U.S.-based shop for Italian fashion house Ermanno Scervino and legendary French leather malletier Goyard. In addition to fashion, Bal Harbour Shops also serves up some delectable bites to those who walk the beautiful indoor/outdoor halls. French pastry shop Ladurée, famous for its delicate macaroons, is a must-visit during your shopping escapade and if you’re in the mood for a leisurely lunch, visit Le Zoo, a new French-concept brasserie recently opened by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr.

03 Bond Street, London, England

Set in the heart of London’s Mayfair district is the legendary Bond Street. For more than three centuries, Bond Street has been a playground for the world’s elite and most fashion-forward. Bond Street has retained this prestige and now offers a beautiful heritage, as well as beautiful shops to visit. From art to antiques, haute couture to home goods, Bond Street offers it all to those who peruse the stunning storefronts that line the streets. Pop into one of the 10 galleries nearby for a touch of culture after visiting your favorite shopping spots. For a touch of technology, you will find Bang & Olufsen and Leica Camera UK. And Bond Street can take you from day to night. After a day of shopping, visit the Spa at Brown’s Hotel to get pampered before wining and dining at one of Bond Street’s premier restaurants.

Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France

04 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France

Renowned as the fashion capital of the world and home to Haute designers such as Coco Chanel, you can find impressive shopping on nearly every corner in the City of Light. But to find exclusive luxury fashion designers, make your way to Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most sophisticated shopping streets in the city. Not only does its beautiful architecture beckon you to explore, so do the shop windows of the world’s premier fashion houses, including Gucci, Lanvin, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more. Make sure to pop into Colette, which offers cutting-edge panache; this unique concept store is on the forefront of French style.

rodeo drive, LA

05 Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California, United States

Another movie star on our list is the legendary Rodeo Drive of Beverly Hills. Famous for its shopping scene with the stunning Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman,” thus Haute shopping haven sits in Hollywood’s backyard and is a favorite of many of the Silver Screen’s elite. Rodeo Drive offers the highest end in fashion, accommodations and dining. You can find luxury items to dress from head to toe at stores such as Celine, La Perla, Audemars Piguet, The Rodeo Collection, and more. If you need a place to rest your head, book a room at the Beverly Wilshire hotel or the Luxe Rodeo Drive and grab a bite to eat at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Via Montenapoleone, Milan, Italy

06 Via Montenapoleone, Milan, Italy

Italy is known for its uber-chic fashion sense and Milan is widely regarded as Italy’s style capital. Within Milan’s city limits, the best place to find fabulous fashion is Via Montenapoleone. This street is the veritable who’s who in the fashion industry and the storefronts are just as beautiful as the designer clothing inside the shops. Here you will find Fendi, Versace, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Armani nestled in among other top foreign designers. Between scooping up coveted “Made In Italy” labels take a minute to visit Caffè Cova, Italy’s oldest pasticceria, to indulge in some espresso and a delectable pastry. Built in 1817, there’s a great deal of history in this lovely little café. Another wonderful must-stop spot is the Caffè Baglioni, located in the Hotel Baglioni, which has a private exit that takes you out onto Via Della Spiga, right by Armani — just in case you didn’t get your fill of shopping.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

07 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is an ultimate luxury hotspot. From its superyacht-laden marina to its world-class dining, to its ultra-luxury pool, it is the supreme place to eat, stay and play. The shopping experience at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is just as exceptional. Open late, until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, this one-stop shopping spot allows you to procure luxury goods well into the evening. Home to the largest collection of luxury timepiece and jewelry brands; you can frost yourself with diamonds, precious gems and premium watches. The Shoppes also has the most luxury men’s boutiques in one place in all of Singapore. The Shoppes offers an eclectic mix of designers from all over the world, including Alexander McQueen, British India, Proenza Schouler, Shanghai Tang and many more.
And if after your late-night shopping excursion, you still have some energy to burn, perhaps visit one of Marina Bay Sands’ four nearby clubs, Avalon, CÉ LA VI, Flight or Pangaea.

Westfield Mall Oz

08 Westfield, Sydney, Australia

When traveling in the Land Down Under, be sure to visit the Westfield in Sydney, Australia, for a true luxury shopping treat. Located in the heart of Sydney, the Westfield features more than 250 fashion, gourmet and lifestyle shops. Comprising a diverse mix of top Australian designers along with international favorites, there are four levels of stores to visit. Unique to the Westfield is the Westfield Sydney Privilege Card, which offers out-of-town visitors special promotions and access to the Westfield’s onsite concierge team. To obtain this card, visit the concierge desk and display your passport. The concierge team then will help you navigate this expansive shopping area. The Westfield also offers a unique mix of high fashion — including brands such as Givenchy, Miu Miu and Tom Ford — with everyday stores, including Adidas and Sephora. The Westfield also offers a comprehensive restaurant list encompassing almost every style cuisine available — there’s even a tea salon if you “fancy a cuppa” during your mid-afternoon shop.

Canton Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

09 Canton Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the urban southern area of Kowloon in Hong Kong, Canton Road is one of the most exceptional luxury shopping spots you can find. Tsim Sha Tsui is the city’s shopping epicenter, home to the Harbour City mall, which actually comprises three malls: Ocean Terminal, Ocean Centre and Gateway Arcade. But outside this mall located on Canton Road is where you’ll find luxury shopping, which includes Chanel’s Asian flagship store and the largest Louis Vuitton store in Asia. Other stores include Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Hermès and many others. The area offers extreme shopping diversity from the height of couture to everyday stores and even street vendors.

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