Lartisien, a company known for creating tailor-made travel experiences, has released its extensively researched list of the 10 best cities worldwide for luxury shopping, and the outcome is certainly unexpected. Forget Paris or Milan! Tokyo is now the new king of luxury shopping and this is everything you need to know before you head there for some expensive retail therapy.
A Luxurious Shopping Spree
Intriguingly, Tokyo’s ascendancy is attributed to its vibrant fashion scene, fueled by the eclectic street styles and the glamor of Rakuten Fashion Week. Lartisien’s comprehensive analysis revealed that Tokyo boasts an impressive 217 designer stores, with Armani taking center stage as the most dominant presence.
Ginza, translated to silver mint in Japanese, is the epicenter of Tokyo’s luxury shopping experience. Here, high-end designer boutiques grace the streets, including the unmissable seven-floor Louis Vuitton and the upscale shopping haven, Ginza Six.
Hong Kong Emerges as Second on the List
Securing the second spot on the list is Hong Kong, flaunting 211 designer stores. Lartisien notes the city’s diverse shopping landscape, featuring iconic destinations like the Landmark and Elements malls, along with numerous flagship stores.
While Tokyo may outshine in sheer numbers, Hong Kong takes pride in hosting the highest concentration of individuals with extremely high net worth globally, ensuring a thriving market for those seeking the pinnacle of designer wear.
Further Down the Shopping List
The capital city of South Korea, Seoul, is the third one. It is an island of trendsetters, where shopping scenes with fashion on the edge captivate and make it a paradise for trendsetters.
Fourth place goes to Paris, the eternal fashion capital, which calls fashion lovers to iconic streets like the Champs Elysees. The fifth position is occupied by New York City, a global fashion capital with its Fifth Avenue and SoHo luxury shopping experience.
Burgundy, France Ready to House a New Luxury Boutique Hotel on a Historic Location
David Fink, the founder-CEO of the celebrated Mirabel Hotel & Restaurant Group, is back once again with another grand plan. And this time, it’s in his favorite vino region of Burgundy in France. After spending over three decades building stellar hotels, restaurants, and international resorts, Fink is now expanding his portfolio by adding the historic Maison 1896.
The Project
In a recent announcement, Fink informed the press that he is going to take over the Maison 1896 and launch the same the coming summer next year. Located at the historic center of Beaune, the ancient village in the Burgundy region, Maison 1896 will be transformed into a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant. For this project, Fink has partnered with Maison Joseph Drouhin, the famed Burgundian vino family, who is helping him to restore and convert the family-owned historic and beautiful building.
The Restoration
The exteriors of the new luxury Burgundy hotel have already been fixed, featuring local stone and limestone. The new open-louver shutters and windows are restored to their original light green color. The three-story building of the hotel will include two luxury suites and 14 guestrooms. Janet Elarmo, seasoned hotelier and Fink’s partner, has been tasked with hand-selecting all the elements of interior design to craft the unique ambiance of the new Maison 1896. Every room will feature bespoke décor using locally curated accents and items. The oversized in-suite bathrooms will contain separate showers, double sinks, and Victoria & Albert Rivello freestanding bathtubs. The guests will also enjoy artful staircases outside the rooms, colorful stained glass decors, and also an originally-built private terrace.
The Dining
Fink’s new luxury Burgundy property will have his signature detail for the dining experience. Making the restaurant and bars the pivotal point of Maison 1896, the hotel will house several dedicated spaces for distinct dining experiences. However, the showstopper zone will be the glass-covered atrium within the courtyard, featuring radiant-heated French limestone flooring, and offering all-year-round outdoor dining, prepared by famous chef Charles Phan.