The best stores and boutiques in these cool new fashion hubs …
MADRID
Madrid, with its elegant boulevards, world-renowned museums, and meticulously manicured parks, is home to the Loewe flagship store (due to reopen soon after renovations). Beyond the designer boutiques of GRAN VÍA and the BARRIO DE SALAMANCA, the city offers a wealth of unique shops. SESEÑA (Calle de la Cruz, 23) a legendary cape-maker since 1901, has dressed icons like Picasso, Hemingway, and Fellini. Family-run ANTIGUA CASA CRESPO (Calle del Divino Pastor, 29) making espadrilles – alpargatas – since 1863, has rows of wooden cubbies filled with ropesoled shoes in every colour imaginable.
COCOL (Costanilla de San Andrés, 18), housed in a former upholstery workshop, curates a selection of handcrafted goods from artisans across Spain. CASA GONZÁLEZ & GONZÁLEZ (Calle de Pelayo, 68) brimming with charm, specialises in timeless household wares.
COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is celebrated for its effortlessly stylish aesthetic in fashion, food and design. In addition to its world-class museums, a hopping culinary scene, and iconic design brands, the city boasts a wealth of unique shops – all within a two-kilometre radius. Design lovers will find vast GEORG JENSEN and ROYAL COPENHAGEN stores side by side while just steps away is ILLUMS BOLIGHUS, a temple to Danish design, and HAY’s impressive four-storey flagship. For fashion enthusiasts, Danish designer MALENE BIRGER’s boutique (Antonigade 10) is a must-visit, as is the curated multi-brand store LOT 29 (Gothersgade 29) and the Skall sisters’ elegant namesake shop (Store Strandstræde 21).
Vintage fashion lovers will appreciate JEROME (Vesterbrogade 36) while TAGE ANDERSEN’s enchanting flower shop (Ny Adelgade 12) feels like stepping into a magical botanical wonderland. THE APARTMENT (Overgaden Neden Vandet 33) is a gallery-like space where art, antiques, and homewares are curated in ever-evolving, inspiring installations. STILLEBEN (Frederiksborggade 22) specialises in refined, understated glassware and ceramics while STUDIO ARHOJ (Skindergade 7) offers colourful, whimsical pottery. TEKLA (Vognmagergade 7) elevates everyday living with cut-above textiles for bath and bed, and nightwear.
TOKYO
Whether you’re hunting for rare vintage treasures, avant-garde fashion, or exquisitely handcrafted ceramics, Tokyo’s retail landscape is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. Tokyo’s leading multi-brand stores, a mix of Japanese and international designers, are must-visits. Founded in 1976, BEAMS (1-7-1, Nishi- Shinjuku, Shinjuku City) mixes casualwear, streetwear and high-end fashion in a uniquely Tokyo style; its flagship in Shinjuku is incredible. ARTS & SCIENCE (3-16-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato City) offers timeless apparel, accessories, and handcrafted goods with a minimalist aesthetic. UNITED ARROWS (3-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya City) offers elegant, modern clothing that balances Japanese craftsmanship with global influences. Tokyo’s vintage scene is among the best in the world.
Favorites are UN CINQ (1-15-12 Kamimeguro, Meguro City) and LAILA VINTAGE (5-46-2 Jingumae, Shibuya Ku). RAGTAG, QOO VINTAGE and TOYO DEPARTMENT STORE have vast collections of luxury and designer finds. Tokyo is a dream for stationery enthusiasts, with shops dedicated to fine writing materials, custom notebooks, and artisanal paper goods. TRAVELER’S FACTORY (3-13-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro City) specialises in customisable travel notebooks and writing accessories. PIGMENT TOKYO (1F Harbor One Bldg, 2-5- 5 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku) is a visually stunning store offering over 4,500 pigments, rare inks, and handmade brushes.
Find out more: www.theshopkeepers.com; @the_shopkeepers