”Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping”. Bo Derek might have had Buenos Aires in her mind while she was saying those immortal words. Shopping in this city is a true pleasure unmatched elsewhere in South America and a great place to extend your wardrobe.
Buenos Aires is a melting pot with custom made leather goods, funky one-offs and tremendous design – and after the economic crises in the beginning of the millennium and the devaluation of the peso Buenos Aires has become an enormous crazy discount shop for deep-pocketed tourists and a place to make some very good bargains. And keep in mind that every time you purchase Argentine-made products worth at least AR$ 70 (€ 14) you can be given back the 21 per cent sales tax when you leave the country. Read all the details here.
As any other big city Buenos Aires has exclusive neighbourhoods with world famous brands, but if you are looking for the significant porteño-style you should avoid streets like Avenida Alvear and the big shopping malls and instead head for the unique shops in Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta.
Palermo
Photo by Diametrik
The hip neighbourhood of Palermo has everything on the wish list and is a shopper’s paradise on earth displaying the latest trends and creativity of Buenos Aires. Young designers fresh out of school show their outburst beside established local names and a desire of inspiration is excuse enough to go shop hop around the trendiest part of town.
Almacen de Belleza
Just being in Almacen de Belleza makes you feel comfortable. Fashionably decorated in black and white this shop is one of its kind. Here you can find all the clothes and accessories that you need to dress like a true diva from top to toe. Nightdresses of pure silk, jewelleries exclusively made for the shop and stylish interior complete the picture.
Bensimon
Do you like Paul Smith and Pringle? Then you will definitely love Bensimon. Details stand out but the prices don’t. Their shirts, jeans, belts and sweaters in bold colours and of high quality give you a great casual look with a twist. Bensimon kits out staff at some of the funkiest bars in the city.
Bolivia
Photo by Qara
If you are looking for multicoloured clothes with small but essential details – or a plain black blazer with a leopard dotted lining – this is the place to go. Bolivia is one of the most colourful and innovative menswear shops in Buenos Aires. They also have a great selection of jeans in every thinkable kind of style.
Carla Disí
Fans of vintage eyewear must go and check out Carla Disí’s completely original collection of glasses from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. Here are frames for all tastes. I set the ball rolling by trying a minimalistic pair with a thin frame and small circular glasses but they made my hair look longer and suddenly I looked like John Lennon. Instead I grabbed a pair which was more special than beautiful and with those on my nose I looked like a yellow version of Elton John when I saw my self in the mirror. Hoping to get a more sophisticated look I picked up a classic pair in black with a massive frame, but with that pair I became a 50 years younger copy of Woody Allen. With none of them working out I went for the classic Ray-Ban and with those shades I really felt comfortable. It is after all better to look like a police officer from Texas than a suspicious look-a-like.
Calma Chicha
In Calma Chicha you can find a typical but great selection of Argentine home accessories. The great draw of this design store is definitely their patchwork made rug of cowhide. It will cost you less than AR$ 1500 (€ 300) to bring one of those cool rugs home as an unusual souvenir. Pay also attention to the multi sized pingüinos – jugs shaped as penguins smarten up every table.
Fair at Plaza Cortazar
Photo by Blueskylimot
Twenty-something trendsetters should head straight to the artisanal fair around Plaza Serrano during the weekends for the latest in local designers fashion. Here is the best showcase for hot new fashion talents, and you can pick up clothes, bags and accessories with unusual details for just a few pesos – even though most of it is handmade.
Maria Cher
Maria Cher being one of the most important designers in Argentina you simply have to check out her collection. She designs anything from bikinis to galla dresses so you will be able to either go swimming or drinking cocktails in clothes with her label on.
Papelera Palermo
This shop is worthwhile a visit even though the prices are bit more exclusive than the products. They have a large number of handmade paper, carton and boxes in different sizes, shapes and colours all made of recycled paper. Look for the notebooks with reprints of calendar girls from the 1950s on the front.
SoldBA
Photo by Michael Setboun
Since this underground multi brand shop constantly is changing its collections it is always possible to find what they believe is the hottest and trendiest right now. More than 30 young and upcoming Argentine designers and artists are selling fashion clothing, shoes, accessories, bags and music from the shop on Costa Rica 4646 in Palermo.
The Beautiful Ones
Those who are shaking their bits to the hits may find this pure rock ‘n’ roll boutique worth a look. Go after The Beautiful Ones' cool and laid back t-shirts (with black and white prints), slim fit jeans and vests to dress like a true rock star.
Prüne
Even though Prüne is an Argentine chain of shops it may be the best bet to find a cool leather bag in a high quality. Their shops are located through out the city but head for the outlet in Palermo; this is the place to find the largest choice and the newest models.
Written by Jesper Vestergren Hansen and Mathilde Hvidt - Momondo
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