Listed are some of the coolest avant-garde shops around.
To begin, select a metropolitan area from below.
The stores associated with your selection will appear right here and on the map.
You may be intimidated by the "ring the bell to enter" policy, but don't let that stop you from stopping by Alan Bilzerian. For years now, Bostonians have depended on the store to...
You may be intimidated by the "ring the bell to enter" policy, but don't let that stop you from stopping by Alan Bilzerian. For years now, Bostonians have depended on the store to...
Okay, we admit it, our vision of the Hawaiian wardrobe is based on movies and tourist visits. So, Aloha Rag is at once a shattering of stereotypes and an amazing shopping experience. Aloha Rag...
Okay, we admit it, our vision of the Hawaiian wardrobe is based on movies and tourist visits. So, Aloha Rag is at once a shattering of stereotypes and an amazing shopping experience. Aloha Rag...
Reader Suggested:
Amazing women's store in Laguna Beach, CA. They carry very exclusive designers such as, Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto, Limi Feu, and Maison Martin Margiela. Also, there is...
Reader Suggested:
It's pure, it's simple, it's totally stylish. Run by the brother of (fashion designer) Kostas Murkudis.
Reader Suggested:
Still the hot spot to find the newest and avant-garde fashion designers.
While still having an eye for up and coming fashion talents, Assembly honors the past as much as the future. This is reflected in the ambiance, in the prominently display selection of vintage...
For men who'd like to make a statement with their clothing without resorting to sequins or bright prints, Atelier provides a refreshing alternative. The dramatic space is lined with clothing...
You don't want Marc by Marc, you just want Marc. You wish Yohji would have the decency to write his full name on a piece of your clothing. For those tired of diffusion brands but not quite...
One of London's first high-end, multi-label boutiques, Browns has established a reputation of on the forefront of fashion. Throughout the decades Browns has been the first retailer in the UK...
Why should the ladies have all the fun? Browns Man extends Browns reputation for finding and featuring the finest in fashion to the men. The same serious, luxe aesthetic is carried forth to the...
B Store is where Londoners shop to be at the forefront of fashion. The boutique prides itself on finding and supporting the latest, greatest crop of young designers from London and elsewhere. The...
On our visit, Butter was doing its very best to stay low key. The storefront is small and the only adornments were two opaque screens blocking a view of the clothes inside. It wasn't working....
Reader Suggested:
cool store that sells things you can't find most places: comme de garcons, visvim (i believe, i haven't been in awhile), apc, y-3, levi's vintage clothing, spring court.
After walking through Colette, you will see every store that you thought was cool before under a new light. There is cool, and then there is "we sell our own mix CDs and our own water"...
Frankly, we'd be disappointed if the New York Comme des Garcons shop wasn't tucked into a nondescript building, with a futuristic cave for an entryway. All of the requisite pieces of the...
Creatures of Comfort is actually rather restless--anxious to find who's next in fashion and scouring near and far to make it happen. Looking far they introduce up and coming labels from Japan,...
Reader Suggested:
Behind the metallic door, a window into the designer's world can be found against a backdrop of stark white, contrasted with areas of black on opposing wall zones.On a concrete-covered floor,...
Des Kohan's fashions don't need to scream to make their point--black, brown, beige, navy, and white are the colors in the shop's rainbow. Dresses, separates and a host of belts, bags...
Reader Suggested:
I went to Barcelona Bread&Butter week in January 2007. I found a nice clothing store in the Gothic area. They have many labels I like: Levi's Vintage Clothing, Levi's RED, Marjan...
Doshaburi Doshaburi is the dark, brooding younger sibling of progressive fashion haven Doshaburi. Here, billowing silhouettes and audacious colors give way to avant-garde fashion of a more serious...
Reader Suggested:
Incredible guerrilla store from Comme des Garçons where they give space to up and coming designers. The selection is always amazing and changing frequently, you'll find everything from Lanvin...
Reader Suggested:
A hidden treasure hiding in an 100 year old chapel, from one of the queens of Australian fashion retailing, Luci Pinto. The amazing selection of avant-garde labels, displayed in this amazing...
For decades avant-garde fashion jetted from New York to Tokyo, flying right over San Francisco's head. With Harputs Market, dark, high-style clothing finally has a West Coast outpost. The...
Reader Suggested:
Hayashi in frankfurt is an extraordinary boutique which covers sophisticated wearable avand-garde. Brands like linda farrow, Acne, MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela, Levi`s Vintage Clothing, Levi`s...
There's something delightfully old-school about IF. The SoHo stalwart carries an unparalleled collection of avant-garde clothing for men and women, from our favorite Japanese and Belgium...
While you await for Chicago's first Yohji Yamamoto store (don't hold your breath), Ikram is the one and only place in the city where the world's most ambitious, avant-garde designer...
As a brand we've always seen Jil Sander to be above the fray, letting those other moody European labels scrum for the "More Avant-garde Than Thou" awards. As a store, Jil...
Reader Suggested:
Affordable, exceptional luxury fashion. Carries one of a kind, up-to-the-minute selection of favorites like Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin and Junya Watanabe and unique accessories by...
Labels Inc. is a major department store in Antwerp carrying their most precious export.. fashion. Because of their direct connection to designers like Ann Demeulemeester, Martin Margiela and Raf...
Reader Suggested:
LEFT is a small and warm boutique situated in Melbourne's Fitzroy in Australia. We might be far away but we are worth the trip if you are in Melbourne, Australia. We carry International brands...
In the '80s the Antwerp Six introduced the world at large to Belgian fashion design, and decades later the country is still going strong, producing one influential, imminently talent designer...
In fashion, where fortunes turn on a dime, that a little boutique can persist for 20 years and stay every bit as relevant as it was when it opened is nothing short of remarkable. MAC has done just...
Reader Suggested:
Edgy label and fashion shop, closely related to the Copenhagen Club Scene. Besides Nag's own brand the shop carries such as Annhagen and the new & hyped Copenhagen brand POP cph.
New High (M) art is one of the best stores in L.A. They carry some of the most avant-garde designers from around the country including New York favorites Face Projects and Bijules. We highly...
For some time, the rack or two of menswear inside Project No. 8 has been a source of some of the most considered yet creative men's clothing in New York. From these relatively humble...
If you want to buy high-end clothing and don't have a fortune to spend here's a tip: focus on the basics. Buy basic pieces that you'll wear from season to season and that'll...
The best clothing shops are really good filters. It's one thing to seek out and stock the hippest labels. It's another thing entirely to irreverently edit these lines to find those...
The best clothing shops are really good filters. It's one thing to seek out and stock the hippest labels. It's another thing entirely to irreverently edit these lines to find those...
When we think clothing boutique and New York a store like Opening Ceremony is what we have in mind. The store is hip and worldy, avant-garde but approachable, artful and industrial. The large,...
When we think clothing boutique and New York a store like Opening Ceremony is what we have in mind. The store is hip and worldy, avant-garde but approachable, artful and industrial. The shop...
In the perpetual tug-of-war match between art and commerce in fashion, score one for art. The humbly named Project No. 8 is, you guessed it, duo Brian Janusiak and Elizabeth Beer's 8th...
A restored and reconstructed art gallery that had been transformed into an architectural playground, Ra has acquired a variety of collections from across the globe. Boasting an impressive thatched...
Reader Suggested:
Great selection of cutting edge fashion. Top international collections like Raf Simons, Preen and Henrik Vibskov, cool streetwear from Acne, Surface to Air and Pleasure Principal and Montreal...
One of the fundamental jobs of a good clothing boutique is to filter and tailor the world's best fashions for local audiences. For the DC area, Relish does the job with aplomb. The dramatic,...
If ever clothes wanted--even needed--such dramatic and sensual presentation, the clothing designed by Rick Owens are it. The soaring ceilings, the opulent drapery, the towering mirrors and the...
Other than a giant hanging ball of tumbleweed, Robin Richman looks like any other boutique in the boutique-laden neighborhood. So how are you supposed to know that inside are some of the most...
Among the girly, beachy boutiques nearby Salt at first looks out of place, but where better than near the ocean to sell clothes that are organic and essential. Dominated by solid, understated...
If you need elaborate displays, too-cool-for-school salespeople and obnoxiously loud rap music to create a "hip" clothing store, you're doing something wrong. Here's an...
Seven has an uncanny ability to find designers that march to the beat of their own drum. From Belgium and Japan, Germany and New York, they find creations that pay little attention to the trends...
Reader Suggested:
Carries lines not found anywhere else in the city, like Hope, A Detacher, Assembly, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Maison Martin Margiela, LD Tuttle, Bless, and Cosmic Wonder. Rare and hard to find...
Reader Suggested:
This store is one of GQ's top 100 (men's) stores in the US.
Reader Suggested:
This store is the best I ever seen in Berlin. This store opened just about three month ago. They sell clothing, shoes and accessories from fresh and up-coming designers.
Where does all that dynamic, creative fashion taught at Central St. Martins and presented at London Fashion Week go anyway? Two See, for one, is where. A fervent supporter of the young and upcoming...
Vacation carries everything from custom made drum sticks to goofy vintage sweaters. The boutique is a regular hang out for young artists and musicians in the Atlanta music and art scene. Not only...
Reader Suggested:
One of London's hidden gems. Based over 2 floors, the store has a wide and varied collection of designers from around the world. Downstairs is a mix of dark avant-garde labels, most of which...
View by Metropolitan Area:
Antwerp, Atlanta, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Honolulu, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Montréal, New York, Orange County, Paris, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington
Alan Bilzerian
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ma/boston/alan_bilzerian_1_web.jpg
![]()
You may be intimidated by the "ring the bell to enter" policy, but don't let that stop you from stopping by Alan Bilzerian. For years now, Bostonians have depended on the store to keep them on the bleeding edge of fashion and it has not let them down. The store does not get caught in categories or price brackets. You'll...
»
Full Details 
Address:34 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-617-536-1001
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6 Sun: Call ahead
Alan Bilzerian
You may be intimidated by the "ring the bell to enter" policy, but don't let that stop you from stopping by Alan Bilzerian. For years now, Bostonians have depended on the store to keep them on the bleeding edge of fashion and it has not let them down. The store does not get caught in categories or price brackets. You'll...
»
Full Details
Address:1217 Centre Street
Newton MA 02459
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-617-630-9988
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6 Sun: Closed
Aloha Rag
Okay, we admit it, our vision of the Hawaiian wardrobe is based on movies and tourist visits. So, Aloha Rag is at once a shattering of stereotypes and an amazing shopping experience. Aloha Rag carries hip, edgy "big city" brands--avant-garde constructions for both women and men that are more often associated with New York or Tokyo....
»
Full Details
Address:1221 Kapiolani Boulevard #115
Honolulu HI 96814
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-808-589-2050
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-8 Sun: 11-6
Aloha Rag
Okay, we admit it, our vision of the Hawaiian wardrobe is based on movies and tourist visits. So, Aloha Rag is at once a shattering of stereotypes and an amazing shopping experience. Aloha Rag carries hip, edgy "big city" brands--avant-garde constructions for both women and men that are more often associated with New York or Tokyo....
»
Full Details
Address:505 Greenwich Street
New York NY 10013
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-212-925-0882
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-7pm Sun: 12-6pm
Anastasia
Reader Suggested: Amazing women's store in Laguna Beach, CA. They carry very exclusive designers such as, Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto, Limi Feu, and Maison Martin Margiela. Also, there is a cafe attached to the boutique. All around an awesome place to eat and shop.
»
Full Details
Address:460-470 Ocean Avenue
Laguna Beach CA 92651
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-949-497-1212
Andreas Murkudis
Reader Suggested: It's pure, it's simple, it's totally stylish. Run by the brother of (fashion designer) Kostas Murkudis.
»
Full Details
Address:Münzstrasse 21
2nd Courtyard
10178 Berlin
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 49-(0)30-308-819-45
Hours: Mon-Fri: 12-8 Sat: 12-6 Sun: Closed
Apartment
Reader Suggested: Still the hot spot to find the newest and avant-garde fashion designers.
»
Full Details
Address:Memhardstrasse 8
10178 Berlin
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 49-(0)30-280-422-53
Hours: Mon: 2-8 Tue-Wed: Closed Thu-Sat: 2-8 Sun: Closed
Assembly
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/assembly_1_web.jpg
![]()
While still having an eye for up and coming fashion talents, Assembly honors the past as much as the future. This is reflected in the ambiance, in the prominently display selection of vintage clothing, accessories and objects, but also in the curation of new clothing and accessories. Surrounded by vintage and antique items that are desirable and...
»
Full Details
Address:174 Ludlow Street
New York NY 10002
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-212-253-5393
Atelier
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/atelier_1_web.jpg
![]()
For men who'd like to make a statement with their clothing without resorting to sequins or bright prints, Atelier provides a refreshing alternative. The dramatic space is lined with clothing and accessories that are mostly white, black or some shade in between. In this case the distinction is in the details--a wool coat with an undulating...
»
Full Details
Address:304 Hudson Street
New York NY 10013
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-941-8435
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11-7 Sat: 12-7 Sun: 12-6
Betty Lin
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/wa/seattle/betty_blue_1_web.jpg
![]()
You don't want Marc by Marc, you just want Marc. You wish Yohji would have the decency to write his full name on a piece of your clothing. For those tired of diffusion brands but not quite ready for flagship brand prices, Betty Lin provides a tempting alternative. The store takes top tier designer clothing from previous seasons and makes...
»
Full Details
Address:608 2nd Avenue
Seattle WA 98104
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-206-442-688 or 1-877-422-6888
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-6 Sun: Closed
Browns
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/uk/london/browns_1_web.jpg
![]()
One of London's first high-end, multi-label boutiques, Browns has established a reputation of on the forefront of fashion. Throughout the decades Browns has been the first retailer in the UK to stock a host of important designers. Today the mission is no different. Exclusive luxury labels Browns has carried for years mingle along side...
»
Full Details
Address:24-27 South Molton Street
London
W1K 5RD
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 44-(0)20-7514-0016
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6:30 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6:30 Sun: Closed
Browns Men
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/uk/london/browns_men_1_web.jpg
![]()
Why should the ladies have all the fun? Browns Man extends Browns reputation for finding and featuring the finest in fashion to the men. The same serious, luxe aesthetic is carried forth to the men's shop. Start with the shirtings: soft, subtly patterned cottons are fashioned in clean, well-fitting button downs with innumerable details....
»
Full Details
Address:23 South Molton Street
London
W1K 5RD
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 44-(0)20-7514-0038
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6:30 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6:30 Sun: Closed
B Store
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/uk/london/b_store_1_web.jpg
![]()
B Store is where Londoners shop to be at the forefront of fashion. The boutique prides itself on finding and supporting the latest, greatest crop of young designers from London and elsewhere. The shop might pick up a small designer and will continue to support them as their businesses grow. The result is a mix of designers in various stages of...
»
Full Details
Address:24a Savile Row
London
W1S 3PR
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 44-(0)20-7734-6846
Butter
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/brooklyn/butter_1_web.jpg
![]()
On our visit, Butter was doing its very best to stay low key. The storefront is small and the only adornments were two opaque screens blocking a view of the clothes inside. It wasn't working. The store was packed regardless, with women constantly shifting in and out, and we can't really say we blame them. The shop stocks an amazing...
»
Full Details
Address:
389 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11217
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-718-260-9033
Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Sat: 12-7 Sun: 12-6
Carve
Reader Suggested: cool store that sells things you can't find most places: comme de garcons, visvim (i believe, i haven't been in awhile), apc, y-3, levi's vintage clothing, spring court.
»
Full Details
Address:
2930 Bristol Street Suite B103
Costa Mesa CA 92626
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-714-434-0166
Colette
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/fr/paris/colette_1_web.jpg
![]()
After walking through Colette, you will see every store that you thought was cool before under a new light. There is cool, and then there is "we sell our own mix CDs and our own water" cool. Colette is a store like no other. It sells a little bit of everything, but nothing in particular. There are CDs, gadgets, jewelry, books and...
»
Full Details
Address:213 rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 33-(0)1-55-35-33-90
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-7 Sun: Closed
Comme des Garçons
Frankly, we'd be disappointed if the New York Comme des Garcons shop wasn't tucked into a nondescript building, with a futuristic cave for an entryway. All of the requisite pieces of the sprawling Comme des Garcons universe are appropriately scattered throughout the austere, yet approachable space. Because no other stockists would...
»
Full Details
Address:
520 West 22nd Street
New York NY 10011
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-604-9200
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-7 Sun: 12-6
Creatures of Comfort
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/los_angeles/creatures_of_comfort_1_web.jpg
![]()
Creatures of Comfort is actually rather restless--anxious to find who's next in fashion and scouring near and far to make it happen. Looking far they introduce up and coming labels from Japan, the UK and France. Looking near they are among the most ardent supporters of emerging LA talent. The goods--an amazing variety of clothing, shoes and...
»
Full Details
Address:7971 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90046
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-323-655-7855
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11-7 Sat: 12-6pm
Damir Doma
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/fr/paris/damir_doma_1_web.jpg
![]()
Reader Suggested: Behind the metallic door, a window into the designer's world can be found against a backdrop of stark white, contrasted with areas of black on opposing wall zones.On a concrete-covered floor, with swirling traces of chalky grays and beiges, pieces hang from naked rods and frames, while shoes, luggage, and jewelry...
»
Full Details
Address:6, rue des Arquebusiers
75003 Paris
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 33-145-270-930
Hours: Mon-Sun: By Appointment Tue-Sat: 11-7
Des Kohan
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/los_angeles/des_kohan_1_web.jpg
![]()
Des Kohan's fashions don't need to scream to make their point--black, brown, beige, navy, and white are the colors in the shop's rainbow. Dresses, separates and a host of belts, bags and shoes distinguish themselves with the careful draping of fabrics, the extremely flattering cuts, the use of silky jerseys and rich leathers. Des...
»
Full Details
Address:671 Cloverdale Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90036
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-323-857-0200
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11-6 Thu: 11-7 Fri-Sat: 11-6 Sun: Closed
Doshaburi
Reader Suggested: I went to Barcelona Bread&Butter week in January 2007. I found a nice clothing store in the Gothic area. They have many labels I like: Levi's Vintage Clothing, Levi's RED, Marjan Pejoski, KTZ (Kokon To Zai), Bernhand Willhelm, Bless, Ann Sofie Back, Wendy&Jim, Petar Petrov, Levi's Collectibles,...
»
Full Details
Address:Carrer de Lledó, 4-6
08002 Barcelona
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 34-93-319-96-29
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-2, 4-9 Sun: Closed
Doshaburi Doshaburi
Doshaburi Doshaburi is the dark, brooding younger sibling of progressive fashion haven Doshaburi. Here, billowing silhouettes and audacious colors give way to avant-garde fashion of a more serious tone.
»
Full Details
Address:Carrer de l'Esparteria, 15
08003 Barcelona
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 34-93-268-69-49
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-2, 4:30-9
Dover Street Market
Reader Suggested: Incredible guerrilla store from Comme des Garçons where they give space to up and coming designers. The selection is always amazing and changing frequently, you'll find everything from Lanvin to Boudicca to Balenciaga to Jens Laugesen. The building seems more like a warehouse but it just makes their selection stand...
»
Full Details
Address:17-18 Dover Street
London
W1S 4LT
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 44-(0)20-7518-0680
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11-6 Thu: 11-7 Fri-Sat: 11-6 Sun: Closed
Eastern Market
Reader Suggested: A hidden treasure hiding in an 100 year old chapel, from one of the queens of Australian fashion retailing, Luci Pinto. The amazing selection of avant-garde labels, displayed in this amazing gallery makes any fashion follower weak at the knees.
»
Full Details
Address:107 Grattan Street
Carlton Victoria 3053
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 61-3-948-0890
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10-6 Sat: 10-5 Sun: Closed
Harputs Market
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/san_francisco/harputs_market_1_web.jpg
![]()
For decades avant-garde fashion jetted from New York to Tokyo, flying right over San Francisco's head. With Harputs Market, dark, high-style clothing finally has a West Coast outpost. The looks for women and men, mostly in black and friends of black, is the type of moody, intellectual fashion that should fare well in the Ph.D. heavy, art...
»
Full Details
Address:1525 Fillmore Street
San Francisco CA 94115
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-415-922-9644
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-7 Sun: 12-6
Hayashi
Reader Suggested: Hayashi in frankfurt is an extraordinary boutique which covers sophisticated wearable avand-garde. Brands like linda farrow, Acne, MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela, Levi`s Vintage Clothing, Levi`s RED, Manoush, Bless are presented in an artistic surrounding.
»
Full Details
Address:Borsenplatz 13-15
60313 Frankfurt
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: +49-(0)-69-21-99-72-55
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11-7pm Sat: 11-6pm Sun: Closed
IF Boutique
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/if_1_web.jpg
![]()
There's something delightfully old-school about IF. The SoHo stalwart carries an unparalleled collection of avant-garde clothing for men and women, from our favorite Japanese and Belgium designers. And that's pretty much it. No PR and not too many press mentions. No online shopping, heck not even a website.
»
Full Details
Address:
94 Grand Street
New York NY 10013
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-334-4964
Ikram
While you await for Chicago's first Yohji Yamamoto store (don't hold your breath), Ikram is the one and only place in the city where the world's most ambitious, avant-garde designer clothing can be found. The most revered names in Japanese, French, Belgian and American fashion find a fitting home in the artful, reverent setting....
»
Full Details
Address:873 North Rush Street
Chicago IL 60611
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-312-587-1000
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-6 Sun: Closed
Jil Sander
As a brand we've always seen Jil Sander to be above the fray, letting those other moody European labels scrum for the "More Avant-garde Than Thou" awards. As a store, Jil Sander's New York boutique holds true to this notion. The minimal space was not, as far as we know, designed by Rem Koolhas, but it does hold a collection...
»
Full Details
Address:1042 Madison Street
New York NY 10075
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-838-6100
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6 Sun: 12-5
Joan Shepp
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/pa/philadelphia/joan_shepp_1_web.jpg
![]()
Reader Suggested: Affordable, exceptional luxury fashion. Carries one of a kind, up-to-the-minute selection of favorites like Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin and Junya Watanabe and unique accessories by hard-to-find brands such as Johnny Farah, Sissi Rossi and John Wind.
»
Full Details
Address:1616 Walnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19103
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-215-735-2666
Hours: Mon-Tue: 10-6 Wed: 10-8 Thu-Sat: 10-6 Sun: Closed
Labels Inc.
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/be/antwerp/label_1_web.jpg
![]()
Labels Inc. is a major department store in Antwerp carrying their most precious export.. fashion. Because of their direct connection to designers like Ann Demeulemeester, Martin Margiela and Raf Simmons they are able to bring you these designers from a season or two back at whole sale mark downs. The store also gives a portion of their...
»
Full Details
Address:Aalmoezenierstraat 4
2000 Antwerp
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: +32 3 232 60 56
Hours: Mon-Sat: Closed Wed: 2-6pm Sun: Closed
LEFT
Reader Suggested: LEFT is a small and warm boutique situated in Melbourne's Fitzroy in Australia. We might be far away but we are worth the trip if you are in Melbourne, Australia. We carry International brands such as M.A+, Y's Yohji Yamamoto (womens) , Peachoo + Krejberg, Comme Des Garcons. Accessories by Phenotype, Roxanne...
»
Full Details
Address:
161 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 61-(0)3-9419-9292
Le Sous Sol
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/le_sous_sol_1_web.jpg
![]()
In the '80s the Antwerp Six introduced the world at large to Belgian fashion design, and decades later the country is still going strong, producing one influential, imminently talent designer after another. At Le Sous Sol, get a peek at the next wave of Belgian talent. The shop uses regular buying trips to Antwerp to seek out smaller...
»
Full Details
Address:137 Rivington Street
New York NY 10002
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-477-7723
MAC
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/san_francisco/mac_1_web.jpg
![]()
In fashion, where fortunes turn on a dime, that a little boutique can persist for 20 years and stay every bit as relevant as it was when it opened is nothing short of remarkable. MAC has done just that and they've done it, as their name suggests, by seeking out Modern Appealing Clothing. The store, which seems to go on forever, carries an...
»
Full Details
Address:
387 Grove Street
San Francisco CA 94102
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-415-863-3011
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-7 Sun: 12-6
Nag People
Reader Suggested: Edgy label and fashion shop, closely related to the Copenhagen Club Scene. Besides Nag's own brand the shop carries such as Annhagen and the new & hyped Copenhagen brand POP cph.
»
Full Details
Address:Silkegade 3
1113
Copenhagen
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: +45-3393-9317
New High (M)art
New High (M) art is one of the best stores in L.A. They carry some of the most avant-garde designers from around the country including New York favorites Face Projects and Bijules. We highly recommend New High (M)art.
»
Full Details
Address:1720 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90027
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-323-638-0271
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12-10
No. 8b
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/no8b_1_web.jpg
![]()
For some time, the rack or two of menswear inside Project No. 8 has been a source of some of the most considered yet creative men's clothing in New York. From these relatively humble beginnings came No. 8b, the Project No. 8 team's ambitious standalone men's boutique. The designers represented at the shop share an almost obsessive...
»
Full Details
Address:38 Orchard Street
New York NY 10002
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 212-925-5599
Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Sat: 12-7 Sun: 12-6
Noodle Stories
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/los_angeles/noodle_stories_1_web.jpg
![]()
If you want to buy high-end clothing and don't have a fortune to spend here's a tip: focus on the basics. Buy basic pieces that you'll wear from season to season and that'll class up any outfit. In other words, buy pieces from Noodle Stories. High-end minimalist is in full effect: solid or striped sweaters in luxurious...
»
Full Details
Address:
8323 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles CA 90048
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-323-651-1782
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-6 Sun: 12-5
Oak
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/brooklyn/oak_1_web.jpg
![]()
The best clothing shops are really good filters. It's one thing to seek out and stock the hippest labels. It's another thing entirely to irreverently edit these lines to find those handful of pieces that are both stylish and versatile, today and next year. And that's what Oak does. First to go are impractical colors--maybe 75%...
»
Full Details
Address:208 North 8th Street
Brooklyn NY 11211
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-718-782-0521
Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Fri: 1-7 Sat: 11-7 Sun: 11-6
Oak
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/oak_1_web.jpg
![]()
The best clothing shops are really good filters. It's one thing to seek out and stock the hippest labels. It's another thing entirely to irreverently edit these lines to find those handful of pieces that are both stylish and versatile, today and next year. And that's what Oak does. First to go are impractical colors--maybe 75% of...
»
Full Details
Address:28 Bond Street
New York NY 10012
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Opening Ceremony
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/opening_ceremony_1_web.jpg
![]()
When we think clothing boutique and New York a store like Opening Ceremony is what we have in mind. The store is hip and worldy, avant-garde but approachable, artful and industrial. The large, long space, complete with a loft area contains a collection of hip, chic clothing the likes of which you're not going to see very often. The...
»
Full Details
Address:35 Howard Street
New York NY 10013
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-212-219-2688
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-8 Sun: 12-7
Opening Ceremony
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/los_angeles/opening_ceremony_1_web.jpg
![]()
When we think clothing boutique and New York a store like Opening Ceremony is what we have in mind. The store is hip and worldy, avant-garde but approachable, artful and industrial. The shop contains a collection of hip, chic clothing the likes of which you're not going to see very often. The store focuses on introducing the best...
»
Full Details
Address:451 North La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90048
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-310-652-1120
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10-6
Project No. 8
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/project_no_8_1_web.jpg
![]()
In the perpetual tug-of-war match between art and commerce in fashion, score one for art. The humbly named Project No. 8 is, you guessed it, duo Brian Janusiak and Elizabeth Beer's 8th collaborative project. But more than that it's a refreshing space where craftsmanship and ideas are celebrated more than gross margins and...
»
Full Details
Address:138 Division Street
New York NY 10002
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-925-5599
Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Sat: 12-7 Sun: 12-6
Ra
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/be/antwerp/ra_1_web.jpg
![]()
A restored and reconstructed art gallery that had been transformed into an architectural playground, Ra has acquired a variety of collections from across the globe. Boasting an impressive thatched roof hut in the center of the store, designed by Mathieu Lehammer as well as an urban rooftop garden, visiting Ra space is an exciting spacial...
»
Full Details
Address:Kloosterstraat 13
Antwerp
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: +32(0)32923780
Hours: Mon-Tue: Closed Wed-Sat: 11-7pm Sun: 11-6pm
Reborn
Reader Suggested: Great selection of cutting edge fashion. Top international collections like Raf Simons, Preen and Henrik Vibskov, cool streetwear from Acne, Surface to Air and Pleasure Principal and Montreal based labels like Complex Geometries and Rad Hourani.
»
Full Details
Address:231 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest Suite 100
Suite 100
Montréal QC H2Y 2A2
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-514-499-8549
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11-5 Thu-Fri: 11-8 Sat: 11-6 Sun: 12-6
Relish
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/dc/washington/relish_1_web.jpg
![]()
One of the fundamental jobs of a good clothing boutique is to filter and tailor the world's best fashions for local audiences. For the DC area, Relish does the job with aplomb. The dramatic, two level space, picks and chooses from a variety of high end European brands, presenting customers with a look that is sophisticated, elegant and...
»
Full Details
Address:3312 Cady's Alley NW
Washington DC 20007
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-202-333-5343
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6 Sun: Closed
Rick Owens
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/rick_owens_1_web.jpg
![]()
If ever clothes wanted--even needed--such dramatic and sensual presentation, the clothing designed by Rick Owens are it. The soaring ceilings, the opulent drapery, the towering mirrors and the awe-inspiring smoke wall provide a fitting environment for Owens' brand of avant-garde fashion. The aesthetic is what Owens himself calls...
»
Full Details
Address:250 Hudson Street
New York NY 10013
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-212-627-7222
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11-7 Sat: 12-7 Sun: 12-6
Robin Richman
Other than a giant hanging ball of tumbleweed, Robin Richman looks like any other boutique in the boutique-laden neighborhood. So how are you supposed to know that inside are some of the most interesting and artful clothes in all of Chicago. Robin Richman collects avant-garde designers like they're commemorative plates, bringing...
»
Full Details
Address:2108 North Damen Avenue
Chicago IL 60647
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-773-278-6150
Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Sat: 11-6pm Sun: 12-5pm
Salt
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/venice/salt_1_web.jpg
![]()
Among the girly, beachy boutiques nearby Salt at first looks out of place, but where better than near the ocean to sell clothes that are organic and essential. Dominated by solid, understated colors, soft fabrics and loose silhouettes this is clothing that won't look out of place on New York streets but come to think of it would work...
»
Full Details
Address:
1138 1/2 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice CA 90291
Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-310-452-1154
Scout
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ca/los_angeles/scout_1_web.jpg
![]()
If you need elaborate displays, too-cool-for-school salespeople and obnoxiously loud rap music to create a "hip" clothing store, you're doing something wrong. Here's an idea--let the clothes do the talking. Witness Scout. One long, narrow store. One side women's, the other side men's (praise Jesus). A selection...
»
Full Details
Address:1646 North Cherokee Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90028
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-323-658-8684
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12-7
Seven
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/us/ny/new_york/seven_1_web.jpg
![]()
Seven has an uncanny ability to find designers that march to the beat of their own drum. From Belgium and Japan, Germany and New York, they find creations that pay little attention to the trends and looks of the season. Some pieces scream: white nylons with a green stripe or a sweater dress knit to resemble a giant box of fries. Other pieces...
»
Full Details
Address:110 Mercer Street
New York NY 10012
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-646-654-0156
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11-7
Stand Up Comedy
Reader Suggested: Carries lines not found anywhere else in the city, like Hope, A Detacher, Assembly, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Maison Martin Margiela, LD Tuttle, Bless, and Cosmic Wonder. Rare and hard to find books and printed matter as well. More like an experiment than a shop. Small, careful, and curated.
»
Full Details
Address:811 East Burnside Street
Portland OR 97214
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: Yes
Phone: 1-503-233-3382
Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Sat: 11-7 Sun: 12-6
The Archive
Reader Suggested: This store is one of GQ's top 100 (men's) stores in the US.
»
Full Details
Address:317 Sutter Street
San Francisco CA 94108
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 1-415-391-5550
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30-6:30 Sun: Closed
The Hunter Berlin
Reader Suggested: This store is the best I ever seen in Berlin. This store opened just about three month ago. They sell clothing, shoes and accessories from fresh and up-coming designers.
»
Full Details
Address:Winsstrasse 42
10405 Berlin
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 49-(0)30-30-344-093
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm Sun: Closed
Two See
http://www.jargol.com/images/stores/uk/london/two_see_1_web.jpg
![]()
Where does all that dynamic, creative fashion taught at Central St. Martins and presented at London Fashion Week go anyway? Two See, for one, is where. A fervent supporter of the young and upcoming fashion designer, most of the labels wont be recognized by all but the most dedicated of fashion followers. Yet, the talent and creativity of the...
»
Full Details
Address:21 Fouberts Place
London
W1F 7QE
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 44-(0)20-7494-3813
Vacation Boutique
Vacation carries everything from custom made drum sticks to goofy vintage sweaters. The boutique is a regular hang out for young artists and musicians in the Atlanta music and art scene. Not only does the store have art openings but, they also have bands play in store for such events. Vacation is a grade A real rock and roll boutique.
»
Full Details
Address:674 North Highland Avenue
Atlanta GA 30306
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 404-875-4413
Hours: Mon:Closed Tue-Sat: 1-8 Sun: 1-7
Vertice
Reader Suggested: One of London's hidden gems. Based over 2 floors, the store has a wide and varied collection of designers from around the world. Downstairs is a mix of dark avant-garde labels, most of which the store was the first to bring to the UK such as Attachment, the Viridi-Anne, Juun J, Label Under Construction, Julius,...
»
Full Details
Address:16 South Molton Street
London
W1K 5QS
Site: Official Site Online Shopping: No
Phone: 44-(0)20-7408-2031
Hours: Mon-Wed: 10-6:15 Thu: 10-7 Fri-Sat: 10-6:15 Sun: Closed
