Buenos Aires

Whether you're looking for a unique handicraft, the latest boutique-vineyard malbec, a one-off pair of rhodochrosite earrings, or jeans no one's got back home, you're bound to leave Buenos Aires with your suitcases full. Argentina’s designers inject their wares with creativity, and innovative items can be found everywhere from elite boutiques to neighborhood street fairs.

If you love the hustle and bustle, elbow your way through the city's outdoor ferias. The array of open-air markets testifies to the fact that locals enjoy stall-trawling as much as visitors do. Crafts—whether traditional or contemporary—often take center stage, with artisans proudly selling their own creations; however, the selection can also include art, antiques, curios, clothing, jewelry, and assorted household goods.

At the other end of the spectrum, this city certainly isn’t lacking in high-end couture. During Fashion Weeks (www.bafweek.com.ar) in February and August, Buenos Aires turns the spotlight on both its world-class designers and its talented up-and-comers. But at any time of year you can swank it up at Patio Bullrich or at posh Recoleta boutiques where the security is as tight as an airport.

Clothing bargains are harder to find than they once were, but that doesn’t mean visitors should pay through the nose. Although haggling isn’t commonplace, do ask for a discount if paying in cash, especially if you decide to snap up leather wrist cuffs for all your cousins at a sidewalk stall. Also look out for the tax refund sticker in many shop windows.

Argentina is cow central, and leather goods—from boots to jackets to polo saddles—are an excellent value. Buenos Aires' well-established antiques trade is also thriving, but modern houseware shops are putting up some fierce competition. On the wine front, many local vintages still aren't exported, so this may be your only chance to try wines from regions other than Mendoza.

It’s not just about retail therapy, either. Part of the Buenos Aires experience can be wandering around and stepping, unexpectedly, into a restored mansion selling silk frocks and vertigo-inducing heels, then taking a break at a bistro or juice bar. People-watching is the name of the game. Known for their good looks, Argentineans like to watch and be watched from the café sidelines.

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  • 1. 28Sport

    Palermo Viejo

    These Argentine leather bowling sneakers and boxing-style boots are the heart and "sole" of retro. All the models are variations on a classic round-toed lace-up, but come with different-length legs. Plain black or chestnut uppers go with everything, but equally tempting are the two-tone numbers—in chocolate and orange, or black with white panels, for example. Even the store is a nod to the past, kitted out like a 1950s living room.

    Gurruchaga 1481, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414DIC, Argentina
    11-4833–4287
  • 2. Autoría Bs As

    Microcentro

    Fashion meets art at Autoría Bs As. After browsing the ready-to-wear women's collections, head to jewelry and accessories, where creative necklaces may be made of coiled silver or crochet. Some handbags have been fashioned from car tires, others from top-quality leather or organic wool. This is one of the few places to pick up a daring one-of-a-kind item, perhaps a handwoven coat in luminous colors in northern Argentina by Manto Abrigo.

    Suipacha 1025, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1008AAU, Argentina
    11-5252–2474
  • 3. Celedonio

    Recoleta

    Local design hero Celedonio Lohidoy has created pieces—often with frothy bunches of natural pearls—for Kenzo and Emanuel Ungaro and his work has even been slung around Sarah Jessica Parker's neck on Sex in the City. He favors irregular semiprecious stones, set in asymmetrical, organic-looking designs such as butterflies and daisies. 

    Av. del Libertador 1774, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1016ACE, Argentina
    11-4803–7598

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Open by appointment only
  • 4. Elementos Argentinos

    Palermo Viejo

    A fair-trade agreement links this luminous Palermo town house to a team of craftswomen in northwest Argentina who spin, dye, and weave the exquisite woolen goods sold here. Some of the handmade rugs, blankets, and throws follow traditional patterns and use only natural pigments (such as yerba mate or beetroot juice); others are contemporary designs using brighter colors. Packable souvenirs include sheep-wool table runners, alpaca scarves, and knitted cacti. Ask about designing your own rug.

    Gurruchaga 1881, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414CYL, Argentina
    11-4832–6299
  • 5. Marcelo Toledo

    San Telmo

    Sunlight and the smell of solder fill the rooms of this old San Telmo house, which doubles as a store and open workshop for celebrity silversmith Marcelo Toledo. A huge silver mosaic of Evita gives away who Toledo's main muse is: he has created replicas of her own jewelry (he is the only silversmith authorized by her estate to do so) as well as pieces inspired by her. Eva Duarte Perón isn't the only crowd-pleasing politician Toledo's been associated with: a local magnate commissioned cuff links as an inauguration gift for President Obama. He also designed a mate gourd especially for Prince William and his bride, the Duchess of Cambridge.

    Humberto I 458, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1130ACJ, Argentina
    11-4362–0841

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat.
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  • 6. A.Y. Not Dead

    Palermo Viejo

    Rainbow vinyl, fake snakeskin, truckloads of nylon, and faux fur: seen anywhere other than under a strobe light, the clothes here might be hard to take. Guys can check out the men's collection down the road at Gurruchaga 1715.

    Gurruchaga 1637, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414DIG, Argentina
    11-4833-2999
  • 7. Abasto Shopping

    Almagro

    The soaring art deco architecture of what was once the city's central market is as much a reason to come here as the 250 shops spread over its three levels. Abasto has many top local chains, so it isn’t as exclusive as other malls, so bargains await at retailers like Ver, Yagmour, and Markova. Women can dress up at Paula Cahen d'Anvers, Akiabara, and Rapsodia, while men can hit trendy shops such as Bensimon, Prototype, and Old Bridge, or go for the estanciero look with smart La Martina polo wear. There’s a food court on the top floor. The mall is also home to Museo de los Niños (a hands-on children's museum) and a 12-screen movie theater, and many Bafici festival films are shown here; you can pick up tickets for entertainment elsewhere in town at the Ticketek booth near the food court, too.

    Av. Corrientes 3247, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1193AAE, Argentina
    11-4959–3400
  • 8. Abraxas

    San Telmo

    "Yes" is pretty much guaranteed if you propose with one of the period engagement rings that dazzle in the window of this antique jeweler. If you're not planning on popping the question any time soon, surely you can find a home for a pair of art deco earrings with the tiniest of diamonds or a gossamer-fine bracelet?

    Defensa 1092, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1065AAT, Argentina
    11-4362–7512
  • 9. Adidas Originals

    Palermo Viejo

    This is one of the few Adidas shops in the world to stock limited-edition items, though there may only be one in the shop at any given time. If you're less fussy about other people owning the same clothes as you, there's a great range of shimmering tops and gold-accented sneakers that would do you proud on the dance floor—and possibly at the gym as well.

    Malabia 1720, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414DMJ, Argentina
    11-4831–0090
  • 10. Akiabara

    Slick skinny jeans, pants, and suits attract sharp twenty- and thirty-something women to Akiabara like metal to a magnet. The slinky tops and soft, asymmetrical knits come unadorned—no prints, no embroidery, just plain lines and good draping.

    Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • 11. Allô Martínez

    Palermo Viejo

    Trashy but attractive is the best way to describe Allô Martínez's designs. Skinny satin pants and studded layered tees with plenty of leopard print will get you ready to rock, but you could go glam or formal in full-skirted, slightly Gothic ball gowns.

    Honduras 4725, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414BMK, Argentina
    11-4831–3733
  • 12. Alto Palermo

    Palermo

    A prime location, choice shops, and an aggressive marketing campaign have turned Alto Palermo into a popular destination. Giggly teenage hordes are seduced by its long, winding layout; ladies who lunch, conversely, are drawn to the cafés in its top-level food hall. The 150-plus shops are strong on local street-wear brands—including Bensimon and Bowen for the boys and Akiabara, Ona Sáez, Las Pepas, and Rapsodia for the girls. Check out Argentine trendsetters María Vázquez and A.Y. Not Dead for way-out party clothes, and Kill for simple yet effective staples. Cristóbal Colón specializes in surfer- and skater-wear, while Cheeky has a great range of clothes for kids and babies. Paruolo, Sibyl Vane, and Lázaro are the best of the mall's many good shoe and handbag shops.

    Av. Santa Fe 3253, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425BGH, Argentina
    11-5777–8000
  • 13. Arandú

    Centro

    Paraguay 1259, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1057AAS, Argentina
    11-4816–6191
  • 14. Arandú

    Recoleta

    This three-story Recoleta town house sells chaps and bridles alongside asado steak knives, maté gourds, and silver jewelry. Racks stuffed with boots begging to be scuffed up gleam temptingly at the back of the shop, and if you find the supple canvas and leather sports bags too conventional, check out such novelties as leather rifle cases. Price tags are sky high, but the quality is superlative.

    Ayacucho 1924, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1112AAJ, Argentina
    11-4800–1575
  • 15. Arte Étnico Argentino

    Palermo Viejo

    Naturally-dyed weavings and hand-hewn wooden basins are some of the items made by indigenous craftsmen at this shop-slash-gallery, which prides itself on being a socially responsible business. Owner Ricardo Paz handpicks pieces such as tables carved from a single tree trunk; exquisite woolen rugs are the most transportable of the shop's temptations.

    El Salvador 4656, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414BPJ, Argentina
    11-4832–0516
  • 16. Artepampa

    San Telmo

    An artist-and-architect duo is behind these singular works, which are inspired by native Argentine art. They use an unusual papier-mâché technique to create boxes, frames, tapestries, and freestanding sculptures. The primitive-looking pieces, a vision of rich rusts and earthy browns, make highly original gifts.

    Defensa 917, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1065AAQ, Argentina
    11-4362–6406
  • 17. Ayres

    Fine, strappy tops in bold fuchsia and tangerine tell you that women who wear Ayres don't mind standing out at the bar. For sweeter wallflowers there are tailored pant suits in dove gray or white, screen-printed cotton sundresses, and retro-inspired winter coats in candy colors. As if that wasn't enough, local jeans lovers give Ayres denim top marks.

    Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • 18. Balthazar

    Palermo Viejo

    Everything a modern gent needs—and plenty he didn't know he wanted—is sold inside this discreet Palermo town house. Find top-notch shirts, suits, cuff links, and even driving gloves. The bright handwoven alpaca scarves in color blocks or stripes are bestsellers.

    Gorriti 5131, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414BJS, Argentina
    11-4834–6235
  • 19. Balthazar

    San Telmo

    Defensa 1008, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1065AAT, Argentina
    11-4300–6926
  • 20. Bartolomea

    Palermo Hollywood

    The adorable collection of kitchen ceramics at Bartolomea is hard to resist. Pastels breathe new life into vintage-inspired dinnerware, while the colorful penguin wine jugs make unique (and useful) souvenirs.

    Dorrego 2212, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414CLR, Argentina
    11-4772–7601

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