The fashion scene in Asia may not be as indulgent as in Europe, but it doesn’t make shopping less fun in these chic cities. Spending less on flights and hotels simply means a bigger budget for shopping! Have a look at our insider guide, bring an empty suitcase to one of the following destinations and return with a full one for your voguish wardrobe.
Dress like a K-pop star in Seoul
If you are a busy fashionista who can’t spare the time for intercontinental travel, how about Seoul Fashion Week – starting on March 27th? You’ll meet lots of stylish people who aren’t afraid of mixing high fashion with street fashion.
And if you also love shopping, Cheongdam-dong is the place to go! Check out the House of Dior, designed by Christian de Portzamparc, or the Rare Market, many celebrities’ go-to in the Korean capital. Lucky Chouette is also a must for the fashion-conscious tourist. Known for its lively and humorous designs, it’s here where Seoul’s teens come to kit themselves out in style.
For something a bit different, check out the Seongsu-dong area, which has the freshest styles including trendy shoe stores like Reike Nen and Yuul Yie.
Where to stay
Had enough shopping? Then rest your soul and body at JW Marriott Dongdaemun, perfect for enjoying the futuristic nocturnal view of the DDP!
Shanghai – Haute Couture in the Paris of the East
Shanghai is Asia’s upcoming fashion capital. Thanks to China’s open-market spirit, international brands are flocking here to engage with the influx of luxury shoppers, while many independent local designers are attracting young trendsetters with their unique styles. Newly introduced tax refunds for overseas tourists were enacted last year, so there’s never been a better time to go.
With its 400 luxury brand shops, Huaihai Road is known as the Champs-Élysées of Asia, while mall-rats might be tempted by Super Brand Mall and Shanghai Raffles City, two institutions selling plenty of brands that you may not even have heard of before. Here you can also find the famous Shanghai Woman cream – get some for your friends, they will love it!
If Chinese designs are what you’re after, head to Dong Lian. Those in search of the most modern styles that aren’t easily accessible in Mainland China should head to Xinlelu.
Where to stay
In the evening, restore your energy at the Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund with a glass of champagne. Its modern interior and views of Pudong district are sure to relax you after a long day of shopping.
Super Savings in Hong Kong
The best thing about shopping in Hong Kong? All fashion articles are tax-free! This shopper’s paradise was clearly designed with the buyer’s pleasure in mind:
its many mega-sized indoor shopping malls and designer outlets allow you a carefree shopping experience, regardless of the city’s famously unpredictable weather conditions.
Lovers of high fashion should not miss out on the 28-floor fashion factory outlets at Horizon Plaza, which offer upscale and cutting-edge brands with discounts of up to 70%. As well as its fascinating fashion treasures, the building also offers furniture factory outlets, cafés and an Italian supermarket to give visitors a more diversified shopping experience.
If you have already got your inspiration from the various worldwide fashion weeks, it’s time to fill your wardrobe with this season’s most indispensable items. Visit the centrally-located IFC Mall, LANDMARK, Harbour City, Times Square and Hysan Place, and let yourself go!
End your trip by spending the rest of your budget in Citygate Outlets, where you’ll find street-fashion brands at a 30-70% discount, or go to Temple Street and the Ladies Market to have a look at some quirky-cool accessories.
From Geishas to Cyberpunks in Tokyo
As a world-famous fashion destination, Tokyo offers shoppers a huge selection of local brands fit for any price-range. Here, you’ll find interesting vintage stores, denim shops and other accessory stores that allow you to indulge all of your shopping desires. Even if you’ve got something outrageous in mind, Tokyo never disappoints.
Start your day at the Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma. Around an hour away from central Tokyo, you’ll find plenty of discounts at the 210 stores in this 86,000m² outlet mall. With your Tokyo look all set, you’ll be ready to go hit the city’s trendiest areas – until you need to buy an extra suitcase, that is.
Although shopping malls like Isetan Shinjuku, Lalaport Toyosu, and Shibuya 109 house many famous brands, shopping in Tokyo is certainly not limited to the big names. Omotesando and Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Yurakucho are areas that should definitely be included in your itinerary. Design your own fashion week in Tokyo: find your favourite piece from a select shop, discover the newest up-and-coming designers, or expand your collection with some vintage or denim pieces.
Amazon Fashion Week is also starting on March 20th in Tokyo, so join the stylish crowd in the city – your amazing mix and match skills might even get you featured in one of the street snap blogs!
Once you’re looking your best you’re ready to wow the moguls at the world’s biggest fashion events of the year, in New York, London, Milan and Paris! Click here to learn more.
