The art of shopping

November 23, 2020

First up, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! Even though you might be serving up for a smaller crowd this year, we know you’ll still make something special of the holiday.

If you’re anything like us, it’s also a time when thoughts turn to holiday shopping (oh hi there Black Friday!). It’s a magical season here in Amsterdam, when decorations and colorful lights combine with the city’s canals to transform it into a fairy-tale destination. But belying its old-world charm, Amsterdam’s quaint, cobbled streets are home to a dizzying array of budding and established fashion talents. So without further ado, here’s why every fashionista should consider a shopping spree, Amsterdam style…

Location, location, location

If you like your shopping with a healthy dose of chic, scenic charm, then Amsterdam won’t disappoint. Cobbled stones, 17^th century townhouses and twinkling lights are the perfect backdrop to exercise some serious retail therapy. Amsterdam’s ‘Nine streets’ – a maze of boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries and dreamy wine bars and restaurants – are a must visit for rare finds and stylish treats.

But to help uncover its best kept secrets, we’d recommend enlisting local help – our fashion-forward Fine Fleurs (alllll the Fs!) will guide you round the labyrinth of alleyways, providing access to appointment only ateliers and boutiques, unveiling the city’s most fashionable side. And because you too deserve the royal treatment, why not consider a visit to the young Dutch designer behind Queen Maxima’s coronation dress?

The art of shopping

The epicentre of Dutch design, X BANK is a one-of-a-kind concept store and art exhibition space set in the historic building of the W Hotel Amsterdam – well worth a pitstop if you like your shopping with a side of serious design swag.

For the antique aficionados, the ‘Spiegelkwartier’ district is an absolute must. With its impressive roster of family-owned antique shops you can uncover one-of-a-kind pieces and objets d’art with a real story behind them.

Across town in the museum district, upscale designers and labels are the order of the day. P.C. Hoofdstraat – Amsterdam’s answer to London’s Bond Street – is infamous for luxury shopping and home to all the big fashion houses. But unlike London, Amsterdam comes with the added bonus that everything is in close proximity. In fact, you won’t have to travel more than a 10 minute car ride between shopping districts… pretty handy if you need to revisit that vintage store immediately.

Amsterdam’s gems

Just round the corner from P.C. Hoofdstraat lies ‘Gerard Dou Straat’ in the heart of the De Pijp neighborhood – with its strong focus on sustainable fashion, ethics and style go hand in hand here. It’s also home to some impressive jewelry havens where bespoke and handcrafted creations are a specialty. In fact when it comes to all things sparkling, the Netherlands boasts some of the most competitively-priced diamonds and luxury watches across Europe. Why not have us arrange a visit to a talented jewelry designer’s showroom? Alternatively, we can organize a behind- the-scenes trip to the iconic GASSAN Diamonds emporium where you can see the diamond cutters practice their craft (purchasing opportunities also possible).

Phew, a tough life this fashionista business, but luckily we’re on hand to support you every step of the way! Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!