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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:
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
Fueguia
Strange, sexy, and sweet-smelling Fueguia is the
visionary project of Julián Bedel, a perfumer who also runs a laboratory in Palermo Argentina
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| 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
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| 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
By appointment only, email contact@marsandzorba.com
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| Contemporary Coats made of llama wool and beautiful fabrics |
Manto Abrigo’s
Manto Abrigos’ story starts in the north east of Argentina Buenos Aires
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,
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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.
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.
With the exception of stores, most showrooms do not
open on Saturdays and they are all closed on Sundays. Argentina
