5 Fashion Boutiques You Need to Know About

With major fashion brands becoming increasingly global, shopping can sometimes be a bit of a let down, coming up against the same commercial chain stores time and time again. However, certain purveyors still operate with an air of exclusivity, carefully curating diverse luxury items that are intended to thrill.

So we’ve put together 5 of our favourite multi-brand boutiques across the globe, where you’re guaranteed to discover unique, exclusive designer items. While some do offer international shipping (albeit expensive), the best finds are rarely posted online, so why not use your cuzins to find and buy for you…

Fivestory, New York

Born and raised New Yorker Claire Distenfeld launched Fivestory at the brave age of 26, with no prior retail background. Since then, the two-and-a-half story store has blossomed into an absolute Upper East Side shopping stalwart, set paces away from Madison Avenue. You’ll see @fivestoryny often tagged on instagram by Distenfeld’s fashion industry friends such as Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine. It’s no wonder they like to shop here, with Thakoon dresses, Olympia Le Tan clutch bags and Delfina Delettrez cufflinks displayed across the space.

Colette, Paris

When strolling along the rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, it’s impossible not to be side-tracked by the reliably artful window displays at world famous designer boutique Colette (or infamous depending on your current shopping budget). Be it Jeremy Scott’s latest crazy collection for Moschino or oversized coats by Comme des Garcons, Colette is notorious for stocking the best in eclectic high-end fashion. Besides clothes and accessories there’s an ever-changing array of everything from fancy phone cases to books that help you learn French via drawing. Or, just browse and grab a drink at the aptly named Water Bar downstairs, which stocks over a hundred different brands of H20.

Celestine Eleven, London

A hectic day of shopping can induce serious fatigue, so it was with great perception that founder Tena Strok incorporated a holistic healing centre into her Shoreditch boutique, Celestine Eleven. The store’s ethos combines a focus on wholesome living and elegant fashion. The downstairs space offers dynamic yoga classes while upstairs sells women and menswear brands from London, Paris and Scandinavia. Nab a leather jacket by BLK Denim, Wendy Nichol hat or jewellery from Pamela Love.

St.Dom, Cartagena

St.Dom combines Colombia’s Latin roots with influences of its post-gentrification modern culture. Everything is by exclusively Colombian designers, from tropical homewares to books and high-end women’s, men’s and children’s fashion. Structured mesh tops and glass cases of statement jewellery are displayed besides the traditional woven bags strung from market stalls all throughout town. The husband and wife team behind St.Dom met while working for Ralph Lauren in New York, so there’s no wonder the open, white-walled space is curated with such well honed sophistication.

Desordre, Sydney

Though not an entirely large space, South Dowling Street’s Desordre boutique fits in a very well curated selection of international and Australian designer labels. Local Australian fashion talent such as Ellery and Dion Lee are always in stock, often with garments created in store-exclusive colours and materials. Desordre can always be relied upon for a quirky, fun purchase, such as colourful heels by Sophia Webster or an expertly structured beach hat from Gladys Tames Millinary. The ideal pit-stop if planning a night out, dressing for a special occasion or on the hunt for one-of-a-kind gift. 

Originally published on CUZIN