Fashion Track…

The Fashion Track…

We all adore the Euro Star, enabling us to get to the key cities around Europe at an amazing 186mph service. It’s invited us into a whole new dimension of the world of travel, of which fashion it would seem has now become partnered with, as you can’t visit these fantastic cities without having a taste of the originating fashion style and pieces. 

It’s now undeniably one of the easiest ways for the deliciously style conscious to feed their designer craving! Be it for Galliano’s platforms of the moment, that green strapless Christian Dior dress or the must have clutch bag. Within the time it takes to jump on the train and the journey time (some obviously longer than others – all of which are worth the wait) your needs shall be met!  

Another delight to add to this experience is the high rise invasive security checks. They have considerably maximised everywhere over the recent years, meaning your fear factor should be zero!  So I therefore accept no excuses, don’t let the idea or bad press associated with public transportation prevent you from your shopping, as you are totally safe, uber captivating or what? 

With robotic like styles and trends within the high streets in and around London it makes for a refreshing change to shop in Europe, where you may be surprised yet happy to find an abundance of choice displaying opulence and pure lavishness… Ahh, sigh with me ladies…

So which city takes your fancy?

Paris *2 hours 15 minutes away*

A relationship filled with passion is one we all have with Paris, whether it’s via romance, scenery, or fashion. Embrace the magic that is this beautiful city and start your own love affair with Paris!

Famous for a delectable mix of bourgeois bohemians, hip denizens, and mink-clad Mesdames, Paris is the ‘IT’ place for fashionistas. A must see is the flagship Christian Dior store with its transformed décor – (30 Avenue Montaigne), and new Lanvin boutique – (22 Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré). The department store to be seen in is – Le Bon Marché…draping with understated elegance. For a sublime scented treat or gift for a loved one look no further than – Maison Guerlain. An opportunity no city chic would miss in there right mind is a Parisian vintage market! Get down to Marché Aux Puces D’Aligré, held at 12e place d’Aligre and who knows what you may find – timeless pieces (clothing and accessories) previously worn by Parisian trendsetters of the past? What a thought… 

Step into the likes of John Galliano who is definitely sweet on the pomegranate – scented Melograno range of home fragrance available in Amin Kader a splendid perfume shop. Now there is a slight chance you may be feeling a little guilty after all this shopping for yourself, so in the spirit of keeping things balanced, here’s a fantastic boutique that caters endlessly for ‘man’s best friend’! That’s right DOGS! You’ll not be disappointed as there is something for all, be it from the spring/summer or autumn/winter collections…They even have a site – check it out at http://www.unchiendanslemarais.com/. 

After all that you are likely to be exhausted, so a divine snack/meal is a given…Enjoy a unique salad at the café in Le Bon Marché, or indulge in the steak frites that Gisele Bunchen is a huge fan of!

Berlin *10 hours away*

Berlin oozes excitement and luxury from the fashion front to glamorous bars and restaurants. With fabulous local labels such as Jil Sander, Strenesse by Gabrielle Strehle and Hugo Boss, and the diverse range of boutiques, lingerie shops and beauty shops, you will find it heavenly… 

F95 (95-97 Frankfurter Allee) is a true wonder for putting up and coming labels out there. An uber posh department store would have to be Quartier 206 (71 Friedrichstrasse). Supplying the best international labels around from Bottega Veneta to DKNY!

For those cool vintage pieces, the shop to be in is Lil*shop (184 Brunnenstrasse). 

For labels you love mixed with a champagne and oyster bar, visit KaDeWe (21-24 Tauentzienstrasse). Take five at Monsieur Wong (46 Alte Schonhauser st) for some Vietnamese treats in a vibrant environment…

Lille *1hour 20 minutes away*

In this perennial town there lie some of the loveliest little boutiques. Not forgetting the not so little names, Louis Vuitton and Hermes… 

If looking for jewellery, artists/colourful accessories or hats – Comptoir de Perrine & Victoria (67 Rue des Arts) is the place for you.  For accessories by Sonia Rykiel and Lanvin, and sought after French labels, Galeries Lafayette (31 Rue de Béthune) will no doubt fit your search criteria. A shop by the name of Au Nom de la Rose (32 Place du Lion d’Or) sells organic beauty products and gorgeous bouquets. For a sexy surprise head up to Princesse Tam Tam, (7 Rue de la Grande Chaussée/57 Rue de Béthune) for some youthful, sassy lingerie – it’s even more affordable than ever popular La Perla! 

Wazemmes is one of the greatest street markets around, try to squeeze it in to your trip…

And to recharge yourself tuck into a nice lunch, or as this particular patisserie is famous for – a cake or a warming hot chocolate – Patisserie Meert (27 Rue Esquermoise). 

Antwerp *2 hours 25 minutes away*

One of the most anomalous places by far, displaying a feisty take on fashion is Antwerp! Louis (2 Lombardenstraat) shall not disappoint those after a flash of signature Antwerp style, it stocks the best in Antwerp design, featuring pieces by Raf Simons (handbags)and Martin Margiela. Het Modepaleis (16 Nationalestraat) the Dries Van Noten flagship store is a genteel restored department store that is worth taking a look in. 

A shoe boutique or should I say ‘lady haven’ called Coccodrillo (9 Schuttershofstraat) is world renowned, selling foxy Miu Miu, Prada, and the utterly divine designs by Michel Perry. 

Labels Inc (4 Aalmoezenierstraat). Radis Noir (186 Desguinlei) is most definitely a hot spot to be seen eating in! So enjoy…

For all details from destinations and routes to fares and bookings visit http://www.eurostar.com/.

By Luisa Savino