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Image / Fashion

Ten reasons why Amsterdam is the new Paris for shopping trips


By Niamh ODonoghue
22nd Mar 2018
Ten reasons why Amsterdam is the new Paris for shopping trips

Amsterdam is known for its exotic underground soirées and sweet treats, but did you know that this charming and historical city is home to a wealth of independent and world-renowned designers and retailers?  Whether you are looking for vintage clothes, a high-street bargain or something more up-market, here are 10 stores worth passing by during your visit to The Dam.

Afterwards, when shopping is finished, the cool museum district has a multitude of culinary delights to offer every taste bud.  Drop by Saturino for the most-authentic Italian experience outside of Rome (saturnino.nl). For something sweet, don’t miss out on Mook Pancakes (short for ‘Mokum’, slang for Amsterdam) (mookpancakes.nl) for sweet and savoury cakes like no other surrounded by pictures of old-school hip-hop legends hanging on the walls.

Spiegel

Amsterdam and bikes, it’s a love/hate relationship… That makes these cups a perfect souvenir! #regram #polspotten #designstudio #hetparadijs #100percent #dutchdesign #nowinstore #bikes #cupatea #spiegelamsterdam #spiegelkwartier #amsterdam

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Spiegel is a brand new Dutch design shop, perfectly located between Rijksmuseum and Herengracht’s gouden bocht. The gorgeous space offer home goods, decorative objects, kitchen utensils, fashion accessories, books, stationary, small works of art and edible gifts. All of the products are designed in the Netherlands (100%) and some are even crafted in-house by well-established brands, rising stars and some typical Dutch smart-ass merchants. 10/10 worth a trip.

Jason Denham

Denham the Jean maker was founded in Amsterdam in 2008 by Jason Denham, an English jean who is pioneering the denim scene right now. The brand has since expanded to offer a full range of collections for men and women including outerwear, tops, bottoms and accessories, footwear and eyewear, but still remains true to creating and developing sturdy, long-lasting denim. I particularly fell in love with a denim kimono during my visit there. My only regret is not buying it before I left…

Concrete

If exclusivity is what you’re after then drop by Concrete at Spuistraat. Here, you’ll find unisex collections from streetwear favourites like Billionaire Boys Club, Nicopanda,  Bobby Abbley, Bape, The North Face and more.

290SQM

At 290 square Meters, a creative and spacious warehouse devoted to design, clothing, shoes and accessories. The store is known for introducing fashion designers to its customers and has held over 35 shows with national and international artists. A hidden gem if you ask me.

Comme De Garcon Black store

Set in a small 400-square-foot space, the Comme De Garcon Black store hosts a range of all the latest items from the label, with everything from fragrances to apparel and accessories. Three huge kewpie figures stand in the middle of the shop to add an interesting aesthetic, while the regular all-black furnishings round out the new location. It’s worth checking out if you find yourself in Amsterdam, even just for the photo opp.

Maha


Maha is a unique concept-style store devoted to delivering the newest sneakers to women around the world. Located in the cool and suave district of Vijzelstraat (near some of the cities top spots to wine, dine and sleep). The space is incredibly cool and open. The bright walls are broken with pops of colour from the many pairs of stylish trainers on offer. If trainers are your thing, you don’t want to miss this place.

Episode Amsterdam

Episode is a heaven for vintage fiends. Though there’s a wide selection of vintage stores scattered throughout the city, Episode offers warehouse-loads (literally) of good-quality pieces at low prices. I was surprised by the eclectic mix of customers in the store with me: an elderly couple buying warm berets, college students trying on American-style college bomber jackets and young girls trying pleated skirts. Whether it’s skin-tight 80’s ski-wear you’re after or 90’s inspired sunglasses, you’ll find it here.

Magna Plaza

Located at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Manga Plaza is an exciting and beautifully designed shopping centre in the former head office of the Dutch post, behind Dam Square. This ornate shopping centre is home to a series of fashion boutiques and design stores including Mango and Dutch favourite Sissy Boy.

Patta

Patta Netherlands is another concept store specialising in high-end streetwear labels like Kith, Stussy and Supreme. Even if you don’t leave with bags of goods, the staff are incredibly pleasant to chat to. This is the type of store that you go to buy clothes, but end up drinking beer with new friends (warning, don’t mix booze and shopping).

Things I Like Things I Love

This sweet store intertwines beatuiful, carefully picked vintage and second-hand items with cool new ones. All items are handpicked with love.