It's the designer battle of luxury retailers
Luxury department stores almost have the ability to make me hyperventilate. All the designer labels and their current collections, shoes, bags and make-up are almost too much to take in all at once. Although there are quite a number of these lavish stores, I've picked a few of my favourites:
Barneys New York
Employer of my favourite window dresser and famed author Simon Doonan, Barneys' and Doonan's sense of humour make fashion fun again. Never one to be taken seriously, Doonan has been known to create widow displays using props like stuffed rats and making a Christmas tree made entirely out of Melba Toast. Barney's laissez faire attitude towards fashion and merchandising go hand-in-hand even their winter campaign was called “peace + love” and featured luxury bohemian pieces created by the likes of Missoni and Gucci. After wishing everyone a “hippie holiday”, their current mission is to teach the art of re-gifting. Clearly, the people re-gifting were not lucky enough to receive something from this famed and fun store.
Saks Fifth Avenue
If designer department stores were Smirnoff, Saks would be Grey Goose. Only selling the best of the best, Saks has a reputation of carrying merchandise last seen on Irina stomping down the runway in that glamorous way she does. Every label lover's dream, Saks carries everything A — Z: Alia to Zegna. Couture pieces can only be matched with designer shoes, bags and jewellery, and Saks' collections do NOT disappoint!
Holt Renfrew
The sole Canadian luxury retailer, the fuchsia HR shopping bag is an instant symbol of status and can be used to make every fashionista around you jealous. Holts carries the mega labels like Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga, but they are also a proud retailer of many smaller Canadian labels like Arthur Mendoça, Greta Constantine and Pink Tartan, among others. Their vast selection of ‘it' bags and shoes are only matched by their incredible selection of make—up, which includes every designer's collection that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the North.
Neiman Marcus
The Dallas-based mass retailer is hugely successful but a little less exclusive than some other luxury department stores. Neiman Marcus carries both top luxury brands as well as more moderate and contemporary labels. This is the place to go if you're really into an all-in-one: get your Yves Saint Laurent Safari jacket at the same time as your J Brand skinny jeans.
Bergdorf Goodman
The single standing store located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is the definition of exclusive. Owned by the aforementioned Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf has created quite a name for themselves and is constantly mentioned in pop culture (there is a book called “Bergdorf Blondes, possibly penned loosely based on four famous New York women we all know and love to watch shop at Bergdorf). Don't be too upset if when you get to the register you leave with $4,000 less than you came in with but empty-handed; many of the items are as exclusive as the store and you will be wait-listed.
Barneys New York
Employer of my favourite window dresser and famed author Simon Doonan, Barneys' and Doonan's sense of humour make fashion fun again. Never one to be taken seriously, Doonan has been known to create widow displays using props like stuffed rats and making a Christmas tree made entirely out of Melba Toast. Barney's laissez faire attitude towards fashion and merchandising go hand-in-hand even their winter campaign was called “peace + love” and featured luxury bohemian pieces created by the likes of Missoni and Gucci. After wishing everyone a “hippie holiday”, their current mission is to teach the art of re-gifting. Clearly, the people re-gifting were not lucky enough to receive something from this famed and fun store.
Saks Fifth Avenue
If designer department stores were Smirnoff, Saks would be Grey Goose. Only selling the best of the best, Saks has a reputation of carrying merchandise last seen on Irina stomping down the runway in that glamorous way she does. Every label lover's dream, Saks carries everything A — Z: Alia to Zegna. Couture pieces can only be matched with designer shoes, bags and jewellery, and Saks' collections do NOT disappoint!
Holt Renfrew
The sole Canadian luxury retailer, the fuchsia HR shopping bag is an instant symbol of status and can be used to make every fashionista around you jealous. Holts carries the mega labels like Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga, but they are also a proud retailer of many smaller Canadian labels like Arthur Mendoça, Greta Constantine and Pink Tartan, among others. Their vast selection of ‘it' bags and shoes are only matched by their incredible selection of make—up, which includes every designer's collection that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the North.
Neiman Marcus
The Dallas-based mass retailer is hugely successful but a little less exclusive than some other luxury department stores. Neiman Marcus carries both top luxury brands as well as more moderate and contemporary labels. This is the place to go if you're really into an all-in-one: get your Yves Saint Laurent Safari jacket at the same time as your J Brand skinny jeans.
Bergdorf Goodman
The single standing store located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is the definition of exclusive. Owned by the aforementioned Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf has created quite a name for themselves and is constantly mentioned in pop culture (there is a book called “Bergdorf Blondes, possibly penned loosely based on four famous New York women we all know and love to watch shop at Bergdorf). Don't be too upset if when you get to the register you leave with $4,000 less than you came in with but empty-handed; many of the items are as exclusive as the store and you will be wait-listed.
