The Most Unexpected and Beautiful Shops Across Some of World and What to Buy There

Before we begin…

I love Mexico City more than you can fathom. I did write a piece for Fine Books & Collections on how that city is for lovers of literature. Don’t miss it, here’s a link.

Also if you’d like to learn something new, read my piece on Queer Farming for Ambrook. Plus Condé Nast Traveler I did a piece on the new HOK designed Salt Lake City Airport.

Back to shopping

In a world of online shopping, plus Instagram desires, there is nothing better than uncovering a brick and mortar stalwart. Making time to slowly peruse and appreciate the craftsmanship, or curatorship, without rushing is today’s ultimate luxury. 

In the future we might be shopping for almost everything online, in the meantime the real world version of stores have just become more sought after, exiguous and look even more stellar. Their true appeal is accessed only when you don’t rush. So next time you want to venture out looking for a pair of new leather shoes, or some cufflinks, perhaps switch off your phone at the door and just plunge into a pool of beauty. Grab a perfect pour over coffee, go spend time with that personal shopper or shopkeeper who you’ve been wanting to befriend, see some of the art on the walls, and then relax for a hot shave or hair cut. 

Although these stores all sell their wares online, the real experience of touch, smell and finding something tangible is what makes them rarified and ever so special. Here is a little selection from all over the globe to inspire some travels of the eye. 

Marc Riboud - CHINA. 1965. A street in Beijing as seen from inside an antique dealer's shop. (Magnum Photos)

Moro

A favorite spot of a girlfriend of mine Philomena, who owns a gorgeous sumptuous boutique hotel Riad Mena (if you’re in Marrakesh stay with her - drop my name, darling). It’s what she would say is the best of new Marrakesh - crafts and artisanal but with a new twist. From jewels, to ceramics to clothes - trust us when we say, it’s a kaleidoscope of thrills.

Rue Yves St Laurent, Majorelle 40000, Marrakech, Morocco, https://moromarrakech.com

B. Luxo

Excited as ever that Brazil is no longer the political nightmare it was - so visits (especially for the queer community) are welcome again. They specialize in vintage without labels - from the 60s through the 90s - ranging from brooches, hats to overalls. They also find bomboniere items that will take your breath away. It’s highly curated, in the best sense of that word.

Rua Augusta 2294 Sala 2, Jardins, São Paulo, Brazil

Niwaki, London, UK

Not only do I love this done up street in London, with the Firehouse across the street and the Monocle Cafe there for browsing and a coffee, but this little Japanese outpost is what will make your heart jump. They sell the finest quality Japanese hardware - with a garden heft - and even offer repair services. Now is your time to get into Ikebana, you’ll thank me later.

38 Chiltern St, London W1U 7QL, United Kingdom, https://www.niwaki.com/chiltern/

Stomping Ground, Ottawa, Canada

Opened a few years ago by two locals to advance the city’s men’s fashion offering, the store does exactly that plus a whole lot more. Slip into their minimal world where there is at least one of everything they carry - from fashion, grooming to accessories - and an appointment only personal shopper on hand if you so desire. Get your Raised by Wolves (almost fully Canadian made) outerwear fix plus your Naked and Famous Unbranded denim (Montreal made) right here. It’s the year of Canada for good reason. 

728 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V4, http://www.stompingground.ca/

Handsom, Melbourne, Australia

With a serious focus on sustainability, this Aussie favorite fashion focused store is where to hunt for great Mongolian sourced knitwear as well as all kinds of accessories. Their mantra - “We make nice clothes” - may sound simple but it pertains to unpretentious clean design where sustainable fabrics like bamboo and lyocell are revered, and their factories all pass the audits for fair labor practices. Buying here just feels better, for all the right reasons. 

163 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, http://www.handsom-store.com/

The Store X, Berlin, Germany

In the lower levels of Soho House Berlin, right in the Mitte district, this vast and open space opened for shopping, but also some co-working and dining if you please. Their concept is that everything you see - minus the fire extinguisher - is for sale; from the wooden bench you’re perching on, to the records playing all the way to the rows of fashion items from designers like Jil Sander. In fact the space’s Creative Director called it “an open, shoppable private home for everyone to hang out in.” 

The Store at Soho House Berlin, Torstr. 1, Berlin,  https://www.thestorex.com/berlin

Kapok, Hong Kong

If you’re into something a little leftfield, yet unassuming, the store Kapok has something to surprise you. Known for bringing local talent to the fore, they have recently expanded by adding more stores in Hong Kong. They have a small gallery and a cafe so you can linger for longer. There is always flux in this little spot - with pop up 3D printing or interesting collaborations, like their exclusive travel accessories series with Japanese mens retailer B Jirushi Yoshida. 

Kapok on Sun Street, 3 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, ka-pok.com

Bailey Stockman

A small doorway with a tiny glass display case, only to flirt you upstairs…so perfectly Japanese. This is where to find a collection of American-made western clothing for the last 50 years. Many are crafted by makers that no longer exist, so it’s actually beyond vintage. 

2 Chome-11-17 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan,

https://www.baileystockman.jp/

Spaghetti Mafia

I have been shopping here for the last 20 years, and every time I am in Cape Town I pop by to see the owner Giovanni - and we embrace like old friends. He has a magic eye for beautiful quality bespoke Italian clothes that he imports to South Africa. It’s stuff you have never seen before and it’s all just sumptuous. Go make friends with him and speak your best Italian whilst you’re at it.

99 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa