These Are the Luxury Stores On Our Travel Bucket List

We’ve all heard of a travel bucket list to be sure, but a shopping one? Our ears just perked up. A great store is equal parts organized closet and fashion fantasy. And at these stunning boutiques, the architecture and interior design rival the products themselves — which is saying something considering the brands in question. Meet the stores that deserve a stamp in your passport.

Louis Vuitton Ginza Namiki in Tokyo

How does one build a boutique out of water — or, rather, one that looks like it is? For Louis Vuitton and Japanese studio Jun Aoki & Associate, the answer was simple: Cover the facade in two layers of rippled glass and add a film to create an iridescent exterior. Talk about making waves.

Dior 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris

While time machines might still be a work in progress, Dior has the next best thing: 30 Avenue Montaigne. Revel in Christian Dior’s original workplace and all the iconic history while acquiring the most exclusive souvenir of them all: Have your photo taken on this colourful staircase at La Galerie, the attached museum. Consider it a must for any style savant’s travel bucket list!

Gentle Monster in Shanghai

For a brand that often toes the line between weird and whimsical, it should come as no surprise that the Gentle Monster store in Shanghai also strikes the same equilibrium. However, what might push it over the alt-girl edge is its robotic art installation called The Giant. Think Big Brother vibes but less post-apocalyptic.

Chanel 5th Avenue Watches and Fine Jewelry in New York City

Sure, too much gold can be gauche, but not when Chanel is at the helm. Indulge in decadence in both the products (this location only houses its fine jewellery and watches) and the interior of this opulent space, which was designed by renowned architect Peter Marino.

Bottega Veneta in Milan

Consider Bottega Veneta’s shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II a microcosm of creative director Matthieu Blazy’s world of craftsmanship. While this dramatic spiral staircase — made entirely from Italian walnut — will surely catch your attention first, don’t miss out on the intricate details sprinkled throughout. A must-see: All the brass hooks and handles were inspired by Blazy’s popular Drop earrings.

Tiffany & Co. The Landmark in New York City

The Tiffany Landmark isn’t just a shopping destination or a spot on a travel bucket list; it’s a jewellery lover’s oasis. See the mini museum, the Blue Box Café and the gallery-worthy collection of art that’s housed in this 10-storey store — if you can even call it that. And don’t miss the Canadian replica arriving this month at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Van Cleef & Arpels in Seoul

Van Cleef & Arpels has a long history of bringing the outside in with its nature-inspired pieces, so for its store in Seoul, it was only natural (ha!) that the brand apply the same ethos. Enter the living garden by architect Seo Ahn; it changes with each fashion and calendar season.

Acne Studios in Stockholm

Yes, Sweden. Because, like with Acne Studios, the capital city’s cool factor cannot be overstated — and it’s the renovated bank building where the term “Stockholm Syndrome” originated. (Google “hostage crisis, 1973.”) But if we’re being honest, we’re really just here for the marble.

Casa Loewe in Barcelona

Getting lost in the woods isn’t so bad when they’re Loewe woods. To form this botanical installation, Japanese artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV wove together 6,000 pieces of tiger bamboo. The result is a master class in form and function that creates a shopping experience like no other.

Dolce & Gabbana in Rome

In case you don’t make it to Vatican City during your Roman holiday, may we suggest the Dolce & Gabbana store as an alternative? The first floor features an immersive digital fresco that’s projected on floor-to-ceiling screens. While it might not be Michelangelo-approved, it makes for one hell of a shopping experience.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2024 issue. Find out more here.

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