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Carolijn Domensino has trawled the streets of some of Europe’s
hippest cities to bring you a selection of the hottest boutiques, bars, restaurants
and hang-outs around
Amsterdam
Of course you can find the usual international designers,
but there’s much
more to shopping in Amsterdam, with plenty of hip and trendy stores of Dutch
origin and design
Botticelli Limited Experience
‘Virtual’ shoe store
From the exterior you could mistake this for a music shop, an art gallery or
a posh eatery. It is actually a futuristic shoe shop. However, there are no shoes
to browse or try on in this electronic, virtual shopping experience. Instead,
shoppers use PC stations to create their own personalised shoe designs.If you’re
not satisfied with the finished product, then the shoes go back to the basement
and you go back to the virtual drawing board. Leidsestraat 61, tel: +31 (0)20
528 9601, www.botticellilimited.com
Gloed
Talent shop
Gloed, meaning ‘glow’, is a so-called talent shop: full of clothes
by young designers and talented Do-It-Yourselfers. The store has an interior
reminiscent of the arty quarters of Barcelona or New York’s East Village.
Inside you’ll find jewellery, fluorescent bags printed with hyper-modern
poetry, graffiti shirts with galloping horses and apple-cheeked ballerina dancers,
plus football shirts and sweaters printed with the designer’s self-portrait.
Gloed also includes a collection of ‘modified seconds’: second-hand
clothing and materials revived by designers. It is also a working studio, so
don’t be surprised to find artists working on new clothing and accessories
to be sold on the spot. Spaarndammerstraat 41, tel: +31 (0)20 673 8603, www.gloedamsterdam.nl
Dwaze Zaken
Art café
Now into its second year, Dwaze Zaken is really coming into its own. As you step
inside you’ll find the art deco walls decorated with exhibits of artwork
by local and international artists. Lounge on sofas, barstools or cushioned chairs;
and if the main lounge isn’t impressive enough, check out the toilets!
You can rest assured you’ll be adding to your appreciation of art. Prins
Hendrikkade 50, tel: +31 (0)20 612 4175, www.dwazezaken.nl
Chill Out Bijenkorf
For funky youngsters
Jewellery, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, notebooks and gadgets are stocked in
the Chill Out department store Bijenkorf. Eclectic taste is embodied in collections
by the likes of Fornarina, Miss Sixty, Replay and fashion designers such as W<.
Great for browsing. Dam 1, Old Centre, tel: +31 (0)20 552 1700, www.bijenkorf.nl
De Witte Tandenwinkel
Keep smiling
Products for that perfect smile! Are you looking for a small, flexible, single-tufted
toothbrush in pink or orange? With a changeable brush-tip? De Witte Tandenwinkel
is your place, full of unguents, potions and gadgets to give you that ultra-brite
grin. Runstraat 5, tel: +31 (0)20 623 3443
Panama
Bar, restaurant, nightclub and theatre all in one!
Panama is a mega-mix of a bar, restaurant, night club and theatre. Its 19th-century
industrial architecture houses a funky modern interior. Located in the city’s
trendy dockland area with an interesting mixed performance programme and a wide
range of events; don’t be surprised if you stumble across a room of couples
tangoing like a ’30s time-warp. Service is enthusiastic and the atmosphere
can be pure carnival! Oostelijke handelskade 4, tel: +31 (0)20 311 8686, www.panama.nl
Rokerij
Famous smoke-house
Young at heart? A little wild? In need of a new perspective on life? Welcome
to the enchanting world of the Rokerij (smoke-house), Amsterdam’s landmark
coffeeshop. Of the three downtown retreats, this one excels in spaciousness,
décor – think a mix of gothic, Celtic, Gaudí, even a bit
of Bali – and overall good vibes. It’s professionally run too. Lange
leidsedwarsstraat 41, tel: +31 (0)20 622 9442, www.rokerij.net
Valencia
Until recently Valencia has been best known for its new architectural projects
and vast urban expansion. However, there is much more to discover. Head for El
Carmen as this area has something to offer everyone, morning, noon and night,
from the latest in art to great shopping and world class gastronomy.
Komomolo
Outlet fashion stock
Refreshingly unconcerned with designer labels, this shop has a lovely atmosphere
and lots of cool threads, which are well-chosen, well-organised and well-priced.
Fashion, shoes and accessories for him and her include Gas, Lois, Caroche, Japan
Rags, Pony, Paramita, Monikita, Dandellion, Cimarron and DDP. Quart 10, tel:
+34 96 391 3743
Hakuna Matata
Spanish décor
Hakuna Matata has a highly personal collection of ceramics, furniture and textiles,
sourced from small workshops all over Spain. Discover the charm of this little
gift shop, which is brimming with handmade crafts. Specialities include handmade
earrings, crockery, huge terracotta jugs and rustic floral fabrics. Calatrava
4, tel: +34 96 391 4537
Canibalarium
Express yourself
Canibalarium is a gallery and agency which intermediates between artists and
buyers.
It offers a diverse range of services from interior design to picture acquisition
and musical compositions. Don’t miss this interesting arty hotspot. Santo
Tomas 16, tel: +34 96 391 3325
Foolskool
London style
A favourite of young shoppers hell-bent on a retro bargain, Foolskool is filled
with quirky pieces from the ’50s to the present day with brands like Apache,
Alpha.T, Uniform, Pink-kat, Boylondon and Blowfish. The back room hosts chill-out
DJ sessions and has a mini-bar. Accessories include quirky shoes, scarves and
bangles. Calle Pintor Dominiqo 42, bajo, tel: +34 96 391 0835
La Nina los peines
Total relaxation
This tiny but über-cool salon lures arty, creative types and combines excellent
service with a natural approach to haircare (using TIGI products). La Nina los
peines is a unique place to try out adventurous looks and body treatments to
a cool soundtrack. And Lorenzo’s head massages are legendary.
Calle Santo Tomas 24, tel: +34 96 392 5282
La Llantia Dorada
New fusion
La Llantia Dorada’s creative kitchen produces a new menu every week that
combines Mediterranean influences with exotic Asian style. The global decoration
is by owner Marc, and features lamps from Morocco, carpets from Turkey and candles
from India. Good for a romantic meal or celebrations with friends and family.
La Llantia Dorada, Hierba 4, tel: +34 96 391 2716
Giorgio & Enrico
Avant-garde clubbing
An after-hours bar and club just out of town where the hip worlds of Spanish
fashion and design collide. It comprises two floors and a VIP zone, and specialises
in performances and shows, including gogo dancers. A young crowd arrives early
and a classy older clientele later on when the second dance floor opens at 6am.
Plaza del Canónigo 1, tel.: +34 96 345 5042, www.giorgioenrico.com
Café de las horas
Take a break neo-baroque style
This neo-baroque café is a great place to while away the hours. The mixed-gay
crowd is an eclectic mix of travellers, designers, and even priests! Music includes
Broadway tunes and jazz. They also host special events such as dramatic readings,
soprano, medieval chant and gospel singing.
Conde de Almodovar 1, tel: +34 96 391 7336
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is arguably the most cosmopolitan of all the
Scandinavian cities. Many of its shops are located in beautiful historic buildings
on medieval streets. There’s loads to do, so go out and explore!
Storm
Multi-store boutique
The high-end multi-store-boutique Storm, located in the central garment district
Regnegade, offers a plethora of clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, books and records
by a variety of labels and companies. The clean, sparse atmosphere gives the
clothing space to shine. For women there’s Comme des Garçons, Veronique
Branquinho, Eley Kishimoto, Baum und Pferdgarten, Balenciaga, Martine Sitbon,
Daughters of Style, Tine M. Jensen, Trine Vestergaard and Rikke H. Labels for
men include Comme de Garçons, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dirk Schoenberger, Dries
van Noten, Martin Margiela, Raf Simons and Klaus Samsoe. And if that doesn’t
satisfy your fashion cravings, there’s also a fabulous, hip collection
of accessories: perfume, shoes, bags, belts, jewellery, scarves, plus books,
magazines and music. This house of fashion makes Denmark a little greater. Store
Regnegade 1, tel: +45 33 93 00 14, www.stormfashion.dk
Sneaky Fox
Girl’s world
A cosy shop with gorgeous, flirty party dresses and irresistible designer stockings
for stylish women. Reportedly the favourite among Danish models, labels include
Betsey Johnson, Dixie, Arrogant Cat, Gsus, Nolita, Remix, Levi’s, Andy
Warholl and Lisa Wixell. Larsbjornstroede 15, tel: +45 33 91 25 20, www.sneakyfox.dk
Pede og
Stoffer
Rock to pop style
Pede og Stoffer is an innovative boutique with two shops in one: one for him
and one for her. It’s not a place for label-lovers, but for those inspired
by ’60s mod style and ’80s glamour and pop icons. Rock on! Klosterstræde
15-19, tel:+45 3 333 88 39
Fishbone
Scandinavians do it better
Avant-garde boutique Fishbone is hotter than hot. Intelligent designs from the
Danish Dixie Grey, Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Lir and it’sfashiondarling;
the Swedish Why Red and Nudie; and the Finnish IvanaHelsinki have all found their
way onto the rails. New stock is introduced weekly to keep the selection fresh.
The two owners, Malou and Marlen, have also just opened their second store called
MENSCH at the Peder Hvitfeldts Stræde 4 Klosterstræde 8, tel: +45
33 93 57 55
ParisTexas
For label junkies
Ask any Copenhagener where you should go to find the latest fashion designers
and hippest clothes stores and they will almost certainly direct you to Kronprinsengade.
On the corner you’ll find ParisTexas featuring fashion labels like Paper
Denim, D-squared, Stella McCartney, Juicy Couture and Costume National. Pilestræde
35, tel: +45 33 33 0448, www.paristexas.dk
Luftmadrasen
Hang out hostel
This groovy youth hostel attracts backpackers, students and artists from all
over the world. Situated in an historic warehouse on the harbour of Cristianshaven,
it’s a great place to relax on the artificial beach and meet people. Complimentary
extras include Internet access and free cosmetics. Strandgade 100B, Christianshavn
1401, tel: +45 70 23 32 74, booking@luftmadrassen.dk
Vega
Celebrity hotspot
Vega is one of Copenhagen’s grooviest club and live music venues. Since
opening in 1996, it has built a reputation for attracting big name acts, such
as David Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Bjork and Prince, and top DJs like Fatboy Slim.
Vega is divided into four main areas: Store Vega, a concert and club night venue;
Lille Vega, where you will find the best Friday and Saturday club nights; the
Ideal Bar, which hosts DJs and live bands at weekends; and the much-anticipated
newly opened Vega Lounge. Enghavevej 40, Vesterbro, tel: +45 33 25 70 11, www.vega.dk
Milan
Milan is fashion central, with the top designer boutiques located along the arcades
of Via Roma, and Via Garibaldi housing a broader selection of shops. The Milanese
nightlife scene is diverse and changeable, just like everything in this eclectic
city, so keep your finger on that pulse!
Docks Dora
Vintage kingdom
You might find a Victorian waistcoat hanging next to ’70s trainers in this
vintage clothing store. Great finds include vintage Adidas sweatshirts and sneakers,
Fornarina limited edition jeans, vintage shirts, parkas, sweaters, t-shirts and
cords. Docks Dora is not a place for bargain hunting, but is well worth a splurge.
Viale Cuspi 7, ang. Via Varese, Paolo Sarpi district, tel: +39 02 2900 6950,
www.dock-dora.com
Tel 06 Rotto
Recycle your jeans
If you have a serious attachment to your old blues, don’t throw them away,
get O6 Rotto to transform them into something else. They can fashion books, bags
or purses, and even shoes, slippers and skirts. Who’d have thought jeans
could be so versatile? Tel 06 Rotto, Via della Commenda 28
Alive Milano
More than a hairdresser A cheap and very cheerful unisex hairdressers. It’s
a first come, first served affair, so get there early if you’re in a hurry,
as they are very popular and always packed. While you wait a DJ spins tunes,
there are clothes and sneakers to browse, a Playstation to twiddle and Internet
access. Alive Milano, Via Burlamacchi 11, tel: +39 02 5410 8529, www.alivemilano.com
Laboratoria Di Sculpure Luminose
Unique artwork
The owner of this laboratory, and Milanese ‘designer of dreams’,
is famous the world over for his decorative lamps fabricated from plants or rice
paper. Looking for a cool object? Well this place produces some really unique
ones. Laboratoria Di Sculpure Luminose, Via Confalonieri 21
Pizzeria Bio Solaire
Pizza with pizzazz
When the Milanese argue about the best pizza in town, this place invariably pops
up, loved for its chewy, Neapolitan-style pizzas. The red-lit interior has a
touch of Vegas-style glitz. Always lively, with local jazz musicians playing
all night long and a menu that includes a great wine list. Bio Solaire, Via Valtellina
29, tel:+39 0260 3516, www.biosolaire.it
Lounge Paradise
Poolside clubbing
During the hot Milanese Summer (so not quite yet!) Milan’s main public
pool transforms into a cool clubbing spot with bamboo sofas, chaises longues
and exotic-looking drinks. It breathes a South Pacific atmosphere. Get there
after dinner, order a cocktail and lap up the DJ sounds, art installations and
exhibitions. Piscina Solari, Via Montevideo, loungeparadise@tiscali.it, tel:
+39 022 53 24 46
Palocap
Seasonal must-have
Trucker caps are one of this summer’s coolest must-have trends for him
and her. Create your own customised cap here. At Palocap they’ve got you,
your team and your business covered. What about a mesh-cap with your own design
on it? Or cotton twill front panels, mesh back and plastic tab closure? One size
fits most! Palocap, C. so di Porta Ticinese, 1, tel: +39 2890 12340
a.n.g.e.l.o.
Designer vintage
A party dress by Escada, a classic Armani suit, a Louis Vuitton handbag and all
with affordable price tags! Many people sell their designer clothes, shoes, and
handbags at Angelo after wearing them only a few times. Ask the salesperson for
the brands and items you’re looking for. Vintage palace, Via garibaldi
59, lugo di ravenna, tel: +39 0545 35200
Nice
Three of the best
4 Wheels Skate Shop
On wheelzzz
Small but perfectly formed, 4 Wheels has the skate-influenced corner of the market
sewn up. The clothes aren’t cheap, but you can find top labels like Silas,
Haze, Oeuf and Xlarge selling skate-pants and t-shirts, hats, trainers and accessories.
2, Place Garibaldi, tel: +33 049 204 9466
Le Frigo
Vintage clothing
Nice’s Old Town offers the best selection of hip urbanwear.
Le Frigo is an irresistible vintage boutique with affordable funky threads from
the ‘50s and ‘70s. You’ll find separate sections devoted to
(unworn!) underwear and lingerie from the ‘30s to the ‘50s, as well
as evening gowns, bikinis and sunwear. 3, Rue Benoît Bunico, tel: +33 049
313 4810
Boutique Annamode
Pret à porter
OK, so it’s not actually in Nice but for fashion junkies it’s worth
the 45-minute drive to San Remo. Annamode is a large boutique stocking Italian
and international fashion labels such as Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana,
Versace, Cavalli, Moschino, Pucci, Missoni, Blumarine and Fendi. There is also
a jeans and sportswear section and accessories department. Annamode offers a
total look, so customers can follow the trend and philosophy of their preferred
designer, or mix and match to create their own unique style. Via Matteotti 141,
18030 San Remo, tel: +39 018 450 5550, www.annamode.it ■
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