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May 15, 2015

Best Private Showrooms in Buenos Aires

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Mars + Zorba Showroom - Leather Clutches

Some of the best things in BA can be found behind closed doors, be it dining, cocktails, art and even shopping. Over the last few years a large number of BA’s shopping scene has gone underground due to soaring rents for retail spaces. The trend for emerging designers and brands is to sell their collections by appointment only from the privacy of their apartment or a private studio space or workshop. For shoppers, it makes the whole experience a lot more personal and interesting as the designers themselves are there to greet you and provide insight into their work.

Here are some of our favorites:

Aire del Sur Showroom in Recoleta

Though the showroom is sequestered on the second floor, it is in fact open to retail customers. Prices are in dollars, and its wares are a very good value, considering the quality and design level. Huge trays made of Argentine silver abound; a trio of stacking tables covered in goat leather is set in frames that look like wood but are in fact iron; and then there’s that fox throw that would warm up the most austere ivory divan.
 
Silver and Alpaca Tray, Candle sticks made of silver and bamboo
 

To get to this heel oasis, named Comme Il Faut,  I have to turn into a small courtyard called Rue des Artisans, off Arenales, and walk up a flight of stairs; I then sit on a sofa in the tiny room while the shopkeeper brings forth box upon box of whatever is available in my size. On other visits, I have left with a pair of navy blue, black, red and fluorescent pink sling-backs and some fire-engine-red velvet pumps that were too Evita to pass up.

Black Silk tango shoe with silver leahter strap and silver heel- Comme il Faut

Casa Cavia: Delight your mind as well as your senses

Casa Cavia
An elegant historical residence from the early 1900s, restored and renovated by based in London firm Kallos Turin, has now become Casa Cavia. Discover a place where the noble pleasures converge and mingle, inviting you to explore the most exceptional experiences. Books, flowers, perfumes, and a kitchen where fresh, seasonal products are transformed into simple yet sophisticated dishes. From appetizers to pâtisserie, edible works of art are yours for the tasting.

 


Fueguia

Strange, sexy, and sweet-smelling Fueguia is the visionary project of Julián Bedel, a perfumer who also runs a laboratory in Palermo. His unique perfumes are displayed on a long table in a narrow space swaddled in dark velvet, creating what must be the most dramatic retail space in the city. All perfumes use natural essences, such as cedar, vellum, and yerba leaves, and are named for Argentina’s greatest historical figures and most sublime landscapes.

 
Lizard Bags and Lizard clutches - Showroom in Recoleta

Ceremony
Identifying a need in the market for solid wardrobe basics designed to last, husband and wife Natalia Bellesi and Ariel Hakel, fashion designer and architect by trade respectively, decided to pool their skills and launch their own men’s and women’s clothing label, Ceremony, in July 2013. For them, the materials, production process and comfort factor are as important as the final look. Taking the less is more and quality over quantity approach, the limited edition pieces are all made from natural pima cotton and wool and include slouchy T-shirts, pants, blazers, shorts, dresses and yoga wear in a neutral colour palette. They receive clients by appointment only in an office space on the ground floor of their apartment building in Colegiales.

By appointment only, email tiendaceremony@gmail.com

Mars + Zorba Bags - Showrrom Buenos Aires


Mars + Zorba
Designer Consuelo Lough first launched her handbag brand Mars+Zorba half way through 2013 and started out selling online but has only recently joined the band of designers selling their collections from a private showroom. She’s just moved to a new space in Palermo Nuevo and has transformed a corner of her apartment into a handbag heaven. Every woman has a preference when it comes to handbags and her collection has got everyone covered, from the hobo bag to the cross body, clutch, shopping tote and backpack. All the leather (bar the patent stuff that comes from Italy) is made in Argentina and is vegetable tanned. Her designs are modern and edgy and each model is produced in limited numbers and a variety of colour combinations. She also has a line of edgy leather cuffs.

By appointment only, email contact@marsandzorba.com

Contemporary Coats made of llama wool and beautiful fabrics
 

Manto Abrigo’s
Manto Abrigos’ story starts in the north east of Argentina where the brand works with indigenous communities to manually spin and weave sheep and llama wool into beautiful fabrics, helping to keep the country’s artisan traditions alive. These fabrics are then sent to Buenos Aires and each coat is tailor made and embellished with prints or other textile effects by hand. The result is a collection of one-of-a-kind contemporary coats in a range of timeless styles. The socially responsible brand was originally founded by Argentine Clara de La Torre in 1996 and she now works alongside Diana Dai and Veronica Olavide in the production, design and marketing of the brand. A visit to their showroom and office space in Villa Crespo is an all-round experience.
 
Venture up in one of the building’s old-fashioned lifts into their bright, airy industrial-style showroom where you can browse their latest coat models (that are also available made to measure), see photographs of the production over a coffee, and chat to the passionate team about their work. While the artistic coats carry a high price tag, it reflects the labour and hours that has gone into making each one. The brand also crafts a line of bags made out of recycled and car and bicycle tires, some of which is spun into yarn, as well as a line of knitwear and blankets.

By appointment only, Darwin 1154, cuerpo D, 1A




The multi-faceted architect, jewellery designer and artist Celedonio Lohidoy has a unique eye for design and his showroom and workshop is the stuff of fairytales. Concealed behind closed doors on the quiet Uruguay street in Recoleta, you have to first ring the bell and venture down a narrow passageway that leads out unexpectedly into a central secret garden of lush green foliage.

Up a narrow staircase, his self-designed space is equally magical, done out in ornate furnishings with big wooden cabinets displaying his intricate artworks and eye-catching jewellery that twinkles in the natural light, crafted from semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals.

Uruguay 1223, buzzer 8
Recoleta

Our Personal Shopper Service is an insider’s shopping experience guided by a English-speaking personal interpreter who offers unlimited access to many of the fames showrooms and boutiques, including arranging after-hours access for the most customized experience.

Consider Hiring a Car and Driver

The daily rates for private cars are far lower than in most American cities, and you'll certainly be safer. Even if you don't use a driver, avoid taking random cabs off the street, as they may not be licensed.

 Note Weekends and National Holidays

With the exception of stores, most showrooms do not open on Saturdays and they are all closed on Sundays. Argentina has many national holidays, so consult a calendar before you book your flights. Contact us for more information or recommendations. We are glad to help!