A Fashion Lover’s Guide to Mexico City

Oasis Coyoacán, a fairly recent addition to the Coyoacán neighbourhood of Mexico City, has very much eclipsed its closest rival Centro Coyoacán. With all the ‘international’ stores you could ever need, from Forever 21 (one of the few in the city) to Sally’s Beauty, it’s a one-stop shop for any fashion lover who wants some home comforts. Plus, the added touch of a decadent looking artificial lake and water feature at the back of the centre gives it a certain upmarket appeal.

Moving from one of the city’s artsiest neighbourhoods, to one of the fanciest – Polanco. A fashion lover’s dream, with its Champ de Elysees avenue lined with designer stores, this barrioalso has one of the most upmarket shopping centres in the capital, Antara Fashion Hall. The sense of exclusivity hits you the second you cross the threshold and catch sight of the range of designer labels and swanky boutiques that are to be found there; even the food court is classy.

A stalwart of the boutique scene in Mexico City, menswear favourite 180˚ Shop is a hub of urban edginess where you can pick up locally crafted artisanal jewellery alongside underground streetwear branded t-shirts. The atmosphere of cool is apparent even from the décor, which is composed of bikes hanging from the ceiling and skateboards lining the walls. For the fashion forward traveller in Mexico City, this makes for an unmissable visit.

Originating in Monterrey, the Roma based Goodbye Folk is the boutique for everyone who loves the vintage, hipster aesthetic or wants to shop for individual, hand-crafted items. Each and every piece is unique and made in Mexico, so every purchase supports Mexican textile communities. Furthermore, Goodbye Folk has a reputation for their specially made, exquisite leather footwear; from saddle shoes to loafers, you’re sure to find a pair that suit your style. As an added bonus, they even have a built-in barbershop at the back.

A combination of art gallery and boutique, you can either browse the artwork upstairs while you mull over your purchase or take a quick look after you’ve taken the plunge and bought something! Happening Store, like Amanoarte, is in the beautiful San Ángel neighbourhood and predominantly stocks pieces by local, Mexican designers. So, if you want to take home a souvenir to remind you of the country (that isn’t another knick knack for your mantelpiece) some shoes or a t-shirt from Happening Store would be ideal.

Championed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and big name fashion mags like Elle México, Yakampot has rapidly grown into the formidable designer one-stop shop we see today. While you can find the best Mexico City branch in the suitably upscale Polanco, Yakampot also have a US presence in Miami. With a luxury aesthetic and critical acclaim under their belt, they offer a range of classy and elegant pieces perfect for any fashion lover.

A well-recommended option that’s had tourists flocking to the San Ángel neighbourhood for years, Bazaar Sábado is our final recommendation for fashion fans in Mexico City. Only open on (unsurprisingly) Saturdays, it’s a perhaps more reputable version of the classic tianguisthat are also ubiquitous in Mexico. By that we mean that you’re likely to find more genuine items than knock-offs, and you may even be blessed with some designer pieces courtesy of Carla Fernández.