Planning an international getaway? Make sure to pack light... you'll be filling up your bags with irresistible items from these shopping shrines:
Cleaning House… for Kooba?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
After months of procrastination, I finally mustered up the courage to clean out my crammed closets to make way for… read more »
Brooklyn Bound: Zoë
Monday, December 15, 2008
I discovered this Brooklyn-based shopper’s paradise whilst apartment hunting last summer. To be honest, I was “DUMBO-founded” to find such… read more »
Benelux Beckons: Intro
Friday, May 04, 2007
Fashion Junkie scopes out the mind-blowing Benelux style scene. Read all about it in this special shopping safari report, live from Antwerp and Amsterdam.
Part I: Dutch Treat (Amsterdam)
Looking for an unbelievably cool urban getaway? Cash-in those frequent flyer miles for a jaunt to Amsterdam – a surprisingly stylish destination that has much more to offer than just sex (Red Light District), drugs, cheese and clogs. A culture-infused Dutch capital filled with Old World charm, romantic canals, floating flower markets (think tulips galore), monumental museums (Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rijks and the Anne Frank House) and mouth-watering frites, it’s the jaw-dropping designer fashion that will make your heart flutter. So grab a Heineken, hop on that bike rental and get ready to cruise the streets (and shops!) like a local.
-By: Dara Fleischer
the only way to trek around town
Photography © Michael Thieberg
Benelux Beckons: Van Ravenstein
Friday, May 04, 2007
 | Store: | Van Ravenstein |
 | Description: | luxe Belgian labels |
 | Labels: | Dries Van Noten, Viktor & Rolf, Dirk Van Saene, Veronique Branquinho, Ann Demeulemeester, A.F. Vandervorst, Walter Van Beirendonck & more |
 | Address: | Keizersgracht 359, Amsterdam |
 | Phone: | 31 (0)-20-639-00-67 |
 | Price Range: | $750-$3000 Euros |
 | Subway: | never mind the metro! walk or ride a bike! |
 | Directions: | Click here for a map |
DISTRICT: NINE STREETS (DE NEGEN STRAATJES DISTRICT)
Situated in the old centre of Amsterdam lies nine amazingly tiny side streets that link to a ring of romantic canals. A paradise for pedestrians, “the 9 streets” (named after traditional tanneries) is the spot for shopping, sightseeing (expect magnificent views of buildings from the 17th Century) and sipping cappuccino.
Fashionistas from New York to the Netherlands flock to this haute hideaway for the best-of-the-best in Belgian fashion. Prepare to dish out top dollar for drool-worthy designs from Dutch duo, Viktor & Rolf and the infamous “Antwerp Six,” as in: Dries Van Noten (avant-garde men’s-inspired suits), Veronique Branqhuino (vests with matching pin-striped pants), Ann Demeulemeester, AF Vandervorst, Walter Van Beirendonck and Martin Margiela. Check out their sister store in Berlin for more of the same mega brands.
Photography © Michael Thieberg
Benelux Beckons: Lady Day
Friday, May 04, 2007
| | Store: | Lady Day |
| | Description: | designer vintage clothing and accessories |
 | Website: | LadyDayVintage.com |
| | Address: | 9 Hartenstraat, Amsterdam |
| | Phone: | 31 (0)-20-623-58-20 |
 | Email: | info@ladydayvintage.com |
| | Price Range: | $50-$250 Euros |
| | Directions: | Click here for a map |
A stomping ground for stylists, designers and serial shoppers, this swanky secondhand boutique is reminiscent of all things Billy Holiday, right down to the jazzy tunes. Rummage through racks filled with vintage frocks circa 1940 and bins brimming with mint-condition T’s and retro runners. Some real standouts worth snagging: designer dresses (Pierre Cardin and Dior), metallic gold and silver stilettos (dozens of pairs!), cocktail clutches, luxe leather gloves, silk printed scarves (Hello, Pucci!) and Twiggy-inspired trapeze coats.
Photography © Michael Thieberg
Benelux Beckons: Hester Van Eeghen
Friday, May 04, 2007
| | Store: | Hester Van Eeghen |
| | Description: | for shoe junkies! |
| | Labels: | Hester Van Eeghen private label shoes |
| | Website: | HesterVanEeghen.com |
| | Address: | Hartenstraat 1, Amsterdam |
| | Phone: | 31 (0)-20-626-92-11 |
| | Price Range: | $100 - $400 Euros |
| | Directions: | Click here for a map |
Originally a luxe handbag line, this dynamic Dutch designer has since stepped things up (literally!) by branching out with a sister store that sells “solely” footwear. Known for geometric shapes and unexpected color combinations, scan shelves lined with edgy wedge booties, pointy-toed pumps and square toes with punchy leather palettes of orange, yellow, red and lime green (even the walls are matching). Best of all, everything’s handcrafted with Van Eeghen’s signature multi-colored silk lining and other surprising features. With kicks this cool, you won’t walk out empty handed.
Photography © Michael Thieberg
Benelux Beckons: 2πR Fashion
Friday, May 04, 2007
| | Store: | 2πR Fashion |
| | Description: | a mix of trendy international labels for day and night |
| | Labels: | Y-3 Adidas by Yohji Yamamoto, Helmut Lang, Drykorn, Missoni, Hussein Chalayan, Machka and L’Altra Moda |
| | Address: | Gasthuismolensteeg 12, Amsterdam |
| | Phone: | 31 (0)-20-528-56-82 |
| | Price Range: | $25-$399 Euros |
| | Directions: | Click here for a map |
This sleek spot showcases a bevy of international brands that will make you melt. Think flirty ‘n feminine tops, cool career clothes (fitted jackets and skinny pants), party girl dresses, ath-leisure gear and a dynamite denim wall that’s loaded with the latest Acne assortment. Other labels you’ll lust over: Y-3 Adidas by Yohji Yamamoto, Helmut Lang, Drykorn, Missoni, Hussein Chalayan, Machka and L’Altra Moda. In case you need that special something for your sweetie, head to the nearby men’s boutique for more mind-boggling brands.
Photography © Michael Thieberg
Moxie Design Studios™