The world is dotted with stylish spots, but there can only ever be a handful of fashion capitals – outrageously cool cities that not only host the most important shows of the year but are also home to the kind of people who can casually throw together an outfit worthy of The Sartorialist every day of the week. Want to be one of them on your next trip? Ahead of the AW17/18 fashion weeks, we give you insider tips on how.
Tokyo
The style:
Japanese fashion is so eccentric that it can make other fashion capitals look dull. Major trends such as gender-neutral dressing, crop tops and mini backpacks all started on the streets of Tokyo, so if that’s where you’re headed, think big. Perhaps an emblazoned sweatshirt by Moschino, or a brightly coloured Kate Spade dress paired with vertiginous platforms and red lipstick (come find out how to get the perfect pout).
Where to go:
For drinks, head to Shibuya. Impossible to find with no website, sign or noticeable entrance, Trump Room has all the markings of a fashion venue. With chandeliers, velvet sofas, wild DJs and outlandishly dressed guests, the bar is a feast for the eyes. Follow it with dinner at Nihonryori RyuGin, a high-end restaurant that takes its flavours so seriously, guests are told not to wear perfume.
Tokyo
The style:
Japanese fashion is so eccentric that it can make other fashion capitals look dull. Major trends such as gender-neutral dressing, crop tops and mini backpacks all started on the streets of Tokyo, so if that’s where you’re headed, think big. Perhaps an emblazoned sweatshirt by Moschino, or a brightly coloured Kate Spade dress paired with vertiginous platforms and red lipstick (come find out how to get the perfect pout).
Where to go:
For drinks, head to Shibuya. Impossible to find with no website, sign or noticeable entrance, Trump Room has all the markings of a fashion venue. With chandeliers, velvet sofas, wild DJs and outlandishly dressed guests, the bar is a feast for the eyes. Follow it with dinner at Nihonryori RyuGin, a high-end restaurant that takes its flavours so seriously, guests are told not to wear perfume.
London
The style:
Londoners have mastered the rather tricky art of looking like they haven’t made any effort while wearing all the most outrageous trends of the season. How do they manage this seemingly impossible task? With a rather lax attitude to hair and makeup, a sea of trainers in their closets (high heels do not go down well in the British capital) and a bold approach to fashion. We’re thinking a print dress by Marni, a coat by Kenzo and a pair of Supergas.
Where to go:
Don’t make the mistake of hanging around Covent Garden or Notting Hill in your fashion-savvy outfit, because these days the cool crowd is heading east. The Ace Hotel in Shoreditch is a great post-work cocktail hot spot. After a few martinis, head to The Laundry, a bar and restaurant owned by Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and frequented by the likes of Jonathan Anderson, Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse.
London
The style:
Londoners have mastered the rather tricky art of looking like they haven’t made any effort while wearing all the most outrageous trends of the season. How do they manage this seemingly impossible task? With a rather lax attitude to hair and makeup, a sea of trainers in their closets (high heels do not go down well in the British capital) and a bold approach to fashion. We’re thinking a print dress by Marni, a coat by Kenzo and a pair of Supergas.
Where to go:
Don’t make the mistake of hanging around Covent Garden or Notting Hill in your fashion-savvy outfit, because these days the cool crowd is heading east. The Ace Hotel in Shoreditch is a great post-work cocktail hot spot. After a few martinis, head to The Laundry, a bar and restaurant owned by Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and frequented by the likes of Jonathan Anderson, Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse.
Paris
The style:
If you’re coming to Paris, whatever you do, don’t pack your neon-pink dress. Parisian style is an ode to all things chic – and by chic we mean understated and insouciant. Think beautifully cut navy-blue dresses, tailored skirts with unusual details and expensive leather jackets. Parisians only buy four colours – black, blue, brown and white – and your reputation rests on the cut of your clothes. Don’t panic: you’ll be loved by all if you wear anything by Balmain, Givenchy or Saint Laurent.
Where to go:
Stay on the Right Bank if you want to run with the fashion pack. Head up to the 18th arrondissement for a drink at Le Glass, Le Café de la Cigale or Artisan, three hot new bars clustered in the frighteningly cool SoPi (South Pigalle) district. For food, try Les Dauphin, a hugely popular spot, which dispenses with the traditional entrée/plat/dessert formula in favour of a bold menu filled with a variety of small plates designed for friends to share – those friends being Inès de la Fressange, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Clare Waight Keller.
Paris
The style:
If you’re coming to Paris, whatever you do, don’t pack your neon-pink dress. Parisian style is an ode to all things chic – and by chic we mean understated and insouciant. Think beautifully cut navy-blue dresses, tailored skirts with unusual details and expensive leather jackets. Parisians only buy four colours – black, blue, brown and white – and your reputation rests on the cut of your clothes. Don’t panic: you’ll be loved by all if you wear anything by Balmain, Givenchy or Saint Laurent.
Where to go:
Stay on the Right Bank if you want to run with the fashion pack. Head up to the 18th arrondissement for a drink at Le Glass, Le Café de la Cigale or Artisan, three hot new bars clustered in the frighteningly cool SoPi (South Pigalle) district. For food, try Les Dauphin, a hugely popular spot, which dispenses with the traditional entrée/plat/dessert formula in favour of a bold menu filled with a variety of small plates designed for friends to share – those friends being Inès de la Fressange, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Clare Waight Keller.
New York
The style:
New York fashionistas are undeniably glossier than their London counterparts. Visitors to the Big Apple need to make sure they’ve had their mani/pedi, blow-dry and facial before they step off the plane, because personal grooming is something the New York fashion set does not take lightly. Pain is beauty, people, so forgo tights in winter, put on those six-inch Moschino heels and zip up your Tom Ford dress.
Where to go:
It isn’t easy to get into rooftop bar Le Bain at The Standard High Line, but once you’re in you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the most influential editors, models and designers in the city. Remember: you can gawp at the view but not at the people. For dinner, NoMad is always popular with the fashion set, partly because it’s close to a lot of the major show hubs but also because its Californian-Swiss menu is healthy and delicious.
New York
The style:
New York fashionistas are undeniably glossier than their London counterparts. Visitors to the Big Apple need to make sure they’ve had their mani/pedi, blow-dry and facial before they step off the plane, because personal grooming is something the New York fashion set does not take lightly. Pain is beauty, people, so forgo tights in winter, put on those six-inch Moschino heels and zip up your Tom Ford dress.
Where to go:
It isn’t easy to get into rooftop bar Le Bain at The Standard High Line, but once you’re in you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the most influential editors, models and designers in the city. Remember: you can gawp at the view but not at the people. For dinner, NoMad is always popular with the fashion set, partly because it’s close to a lot of the major show hubs but also because its Californian-Swiss menu is healthy and delicious.
Milan
The style:
If you want to be one of those effortlessly elegant women, you need to spend a few weeks taking notes on the streets of Milan. Italian women buy fewer clothes than the rest of us because they’re less interested in trends: they know what suits them and they’re prepared to spend a lot on expensive fabrics and beautiful cuts. Think a bag from Bottega Veneta, a dress from Prada or a coat from Valentino. Not cheap, but they’ll last forever.
Where to go:
So, where are you going in these once-in-a-lifetime purchases? The new café at Fondazione Prada is a good start. Designed by Wes Anderson, it’s a must-see for anyone with an interest in fashion or film. On summer evenings have dinner at Ceresio 7, a restaurant on the rooftop of Dsquared2’s headquarters and home to arguably the best view of Milan.
Milan
The style:
If you want to be one of those effortlessly elegant women, you need to spend a few weeks taking notes on the streets of Milan. Italian women buy fewer clothes than the rest of us because they’re less interested in trends: they know what suits them and they’re prepared to spend a lot on expensive fabrics and beautiful cuts. Think a bag from Bottega Veneta, a dress from Prada or a coat from Valentino. Not cheap, but they’ll last forever.
Where to go:
So, where are you going in these once-in-a-lifetime purchases? The new café at Fondazione Prada is a good start. Designed by Wes Anderson, it’s a must-see for anyone with an interest in fashion or film. On summer evenings have dinner at Ceresio 7, a restaurant on the rooftop of Dsquared2’s headquarters and home to arguably the best view of Milan.
In preparation for your travels, head to The Boulevard at Studio City, Macau to find that perfect street snap-worthy outfit. Be sure to #MakeAFashionStatement so we can see your look and repost it on our Instagram.
