Istanbuls Coolest Concept Stores

Istanbul has seen quite the wave of young entrepreneurs and designers who create everything from hand-painted axes to the perfect T-shirt. We explored the best places where you can get your hands on these lovely items.

Souq Dükkan

Bazaar, Store

What began as a monthly themed bazaar turned into a concept store due to its downright popularity. Souq Dükkan has the best items from local designers on display; its lofty industrial space makes it feel like you stumbled upon something a bit off the beaten track. From vintage clothing to handmade leather wallets, specially designed bikinis to colorful ceramics, handpicked books to a collection of LPs, there really is something for everyone. Kanyon Shopping Center, Levent

Shopi Go

Shop

Bringing together almost 200 designers under one roof, Shopi Go is definitely the place where the cool young people buy their clothes. The shop’s minimally decorated boutique exudes a black and white nonchalance. The men’s and women’s collections have an urban look mostly found in the fashion mag spreads. PS: You should also check out their online shop (especially when there’s a major sale). https://instagram.com/p/BEK-JUHSLLI/

Mae Zae

After you take the stairs down into Mae Zae, a gorgeous loft of covetable items, you’ll feel like you wandered into someone’s extremely gorgeous hidden apartment. There’s a fireplace and furniture, but all around handmade jewelry, leather bags, colorful notebooks, unique ceramics, and handmade sunglasses demand simultaneous attention. Caution: you may end up buying a few things and will come back when the new local designer collections arrive. Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mahallesi, Hoca Tahsin Sokak No.16/A Karaköy, +90 212 288 77 68

https://instagram.com/p/BCX57f8TYYR/

Les Benjamins

Les Benjamins is all about T-shirts that truly stand out. Inspired by the Young Turks (a group of intellectual dissidents) their shirts feature everything from Young Turk artwork to more abstract images like a hybrid of the Dalai Lama and Elvis. We think you get the picture. Definitely a place for grunge-nostalgia with an updated touch of urban style. Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No.26 Galata, +90 212 243 76 95

https://instagram.com/p/BCFVYgsxd88/

Tru Project

Shop

The perfect T-shirt is what has made Tru Project a favorite among Istanbul’s young and stylish. What more can we say about the super soft T-shirts in muted colors that seem to fit the body so perfectly? You’ll want to buy them in every color available. Also make sure to check out the other clothing varieties such as skirts, shorts, and sweatshirts. ‘Perfect basics’ indeed (for men and women).

Wunder

Shop

If you love sneakers you’ll definitely make your way to the Asian side to shop at Wunder. As soon as you walk in, the wall of specially chosen sneaker models will make your materialistic heart swell. There’s also a great collection of clothing to match your brand new sneakers, as well as accessories from Herschel backpacks to local designer ware. Moda Bostanı Sokak No. 26/C Moda, +90 216 337 08 77

https://instagram.com/p/_eYJGvGBlU/

Bey Karaköy

Shop

You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a Kreuzberg boutique when you happen upon Bey Karaköy, where a male-only collection focuses on the most hipster of hipster aesthetics. The shop provides modern basics, leather backpacks, colorful socks, and even a collection of independent magazines, all on sale in a very minimalist interior. Also, you will be supporting local designers with your purchases.