The shopping centre at Potsdamer Platz, Berlin. Photo / 123RF
The shopping centre at Potsdamer Platz, Berlin. Photo / 123RF
New Zealand Fashion Week kicks off tomorrow, putting us on the map among the global style set. But where are the rest of the world's most fashionable destinations? Don't just think Paris, Milan, New York and London - there are many other stylish cities to add to your fashion map.
1 Copenhagen
This fashion week has become one of the most hotly anticipated. Copenhagen style can be summed up as stripped down, effortless and comfortable,
Local designers:
Baum und Pferdgarten, Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Ganni, MUNTHE, Malene Birger, Saks Potts, Samsoe & Samsoe
A model on the runway for designer MUNTHE during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018. Photo / Getty Images
Where to shop:
You'll find cutting-edge brands and shops in and around Kongens Nytorv and Kronprinsensgade. For avant-garde fashion go to the Latin Quarter and Vesterbro, for second-hand go to Jaegersborggade. Stroget is Copenhagen's main shopping street.
From Harajuku girls to Rollers, Dollies, Lolitas and Goths, Tokyo is a place where anything can - and does - go. Many world famous designers started out in Tokyo, including Issey Miyake and Yoji Yamamoto, and it's still the place to find the most current streetwear trends. The more outrageous looks might not be something you want to try out but people-watching is like one big catwalk show.
Japanese teens in Harajuku, Tokyo. Photo / Getty Images
Ginza for high-end boutiques and big department stores, Kagurazaka for traditional sandals, Naka-Meguro for vintage, Shibuya for youth-focused fashion.
3 LA
Often taking a back seat to New York, LA now holds its own in the style stakes. Kiwis love to flock to LA for malls and outlet bargains, but you'll also find top homegrown designers and amazing vintage clothing.
Local designers to look out for:
Armature, Foxbait, Hale Bob, Jennifer Meyer, Naven, Rodarte
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. Photo / 123RF
Everywhere in LA is good for shopping - from designer boutiques on Melrose Ave and Rodeo Drive, to shopper-friendly malls like West Hollywood's Beverly Center and the Grove, to fleamarkets and vintage stores. If you can't shop in LA, you don't deserve a credit card.
4 Berlin
This German city has upped its game since the days of 90s neon rave and bondage club wear. Now, it has fashion-forward street wear and avant-garde looks, and the industry has grown significantly. Fashion Week is a twice-yearly event.
Local designers to look out for:
Alexandra Fischer-Roehler and Johanna Kuhl, Bobby Kolade, Karl Lagerfeld, lala Berlin, Karlotta Wilde, Wolfgang Joop
Alexa Mall on Alexanderplatz has more than 180 stores; Mall of Berlin more than 270, and KaDeWe is department store heaven. For vintage, head to Kreuzberg, or Mauerpark and Hackescher's flea markets. High-end stores can be found at Kurfurstendamm and Friedrichstrasse.
The shopping centre at Potsdamer Platz, Berlin. Photo / 123RF
5 Sao Paulo
This epic Brazilian city's fashion Weeks are the fifth largest behind the "big four" - London, Paris, New York and Milan. With a huge amount of wealth (the city has the largest GDP in Latin America), there are close to 100 malls and high-end shopping areas.
Oscar Freire St in Jardins is Sao Paulo's equivalent of Rodeo Drive; Avenida Paulista has an extensive range of shops; for bargains head to the markets, Rua 25 de Marco.
A model walks the runway during Sao Paulo Fashion Week Summer 2017. Photo / Getty Images
