VILLA MODA, KUWAIT
A huge aquarium in the middle of the desert was built by Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah, nephew of the Emir of Kuwait. The wealthy from nearby oases shop here. Inside the giant glass cube are two multi-brand boutiques and smaller 'aquariums' – boutiques of Gucci, YSL, Marni, and others. Regular customers visit the department store several times a week, spending an average of £300 per receipt.
Villa Moda offers clients a SPA center, restaurant, business center, and personal shoppers. For VIP clients, there is a depack-room where the most generous customers get first access to new arrivals. Recently, a new model of flip-flops by Manolo Blahnik, created especially for this department store, went on sale.
10 CORSO COMO, MILAN
A huge fashion bazaar for logomaniacs was founded in 1991 by Carla Sozzani, a fashion guru and former Italian Vogue employee. Fashionistas with a capital F, stylists, fashion editors, and celebrities shop here. The interiors are decorated with photos of the latest runway shows taken by Sozzani herself. Accessories by Alaia shimmer in gold, professional cosmetics from iconic brands are offered, and the latest design objects of all kinds are available.
The store is compared to an avant-garde library, and you can spend the night on its top floor. 10 Corso Como is the only store where clients can stay overnight in three-room apartments with a luxurious bathroom. 10 Corso Como is also known for its wonderful book and music shops, as well as a restaurant in the inner courtyard. The branded CD with music in the style of 10 Corso Como and the perfume created especially for this brand are popular.
CENTURY 21, NEW YORK
The five-story building of the discount department store is located in lower Manhattan with a view of Ground Zero. The store's clientele includes anyone who has achieved any modest status in society. Clothing, shoes, and accessories from brands like Jil Sander, Helmut Lang, Tod's, and others are sold here with discounts from 25% to 75%.
The store's atmosphere resembles the sixth circle of hell. There are crowds, long lines, rude service, and complete chaos in the fitting rooms. But the 75% discount justifies the lack of comfort.
TOPSHOP OXFORD CIRCUS, LONDON
The world's most famous central department store receives 300 of the latest fashion items every week, and its stocks are replenished three times a day. In its three-story building, you can find Beyoncé Knowles and Gwyneth Paltrow, top fashion models, well-known fashion magazine editors and stylists, and 200,000 ordinary shoppers weekly.
The store offers glamorous fashion, but its atmosphere resembles more of a youth nightclub. Runway shows of London Fashion Week are held here, and you can also buy items from Kate Moss's latest collection. A manicure bar and a hair styling bar, a cafe and a VIP room, style consultants... All this and much more is offered by Topshop Oxford Circus.
Popular here is the high-waisted X Jean jeans model in 50s style, released in limited edition from the store's own collection.
BARNEYS, NEW YORK
This store is charming and witty, like Dorothy Parker. It has remained so since its opening in 1923. And quoting Sarah Jessica Parker, one could say: 'If you are a good person and work hard, go shopping at Barneys.' There is also a saying: 'If it's not in Barneys, it's not worth buying.' Many legendary labels were born here. The most interesting selection of goods is in the multi-brand departments on the 7th and 8th floors.
The windows, designed by British creative director Simon Doonan, urge you to spend, spend, spend. The store is known, among other things, for its excellent restaurant 'Fred's', a deli, two SPA centers (one specializing in high-tech facial treatments, the other in aura reading and so on), concierge service, an image studio, and a brow studio.
The most relevant purchase: a New York red leather dog carrier bag.
COLETTE, PARIS
This year the store turns 10 years old. Its three-story building offers an excellent selection of fashion items from different brands. The spirit of a design exhibition opening party reigns here. You can buy clothes by Marc Jacobs, Dries van Noten, cosmetics by Prada, useless but trendy gadgets, obscure fashion magazines, and much more.
The store has its own magazine, Le Colette, and a bar in the basement offering 100 types of limited-edition mineral water.
Among the new items: Henry Holland 'make me sweat colette T-shirt' and Reebok sweatpants in the style of Scarlett Johansson.
DECADES, LOS ANGELES
The vintage store on Melrose Avenue opened in 1997. Keira Knightley and Nicole Kidman have walked the red carpet in outfits from Decades. In stock are haute couture pieces from the 60s and 70s by Courrèges, Pucci, Hermès, Ossie Clark. The store creates a refined atmosphere of high style, distinguishing it from other second-hand shops. This year at the Oscars, Chloë Sevigny wore a vintage dress by Mugler, and Rachel Griffiths and Erin Lauder wore YSL outfits, all from Decades.
The store runs its own blog, where daily arrivals are reported, and a branch has opened in London at Dover Street Market.
The most relevant item: a cream-colored dress with leopard print by Leonard, but it has probably already been seen in the blog and bought by someone.
PRADA, TOKYO
A six-story crystal hive decorated with living moss, built to the design of architects Herzog & de Meuron. Silicone shelves and pony leather trim, space-age interiors, distracting windows... The atmosphere of a Martian department store.
Here you can buy, for example, a green turban in the style of Norma Desmond. However, you can only wear it here.
HET MODEPALEIS, ANTWERP
This is the flagship store of Dutch designer Dries van Noten, king of print, layering, and master of his craft. In a five-story Art Nouveau building, men's and women's collections are sold and the mood of a bohemian paradise is felt.
Ultra-fashionable purchase: a yellow anorak, offered this season by many brands.
DASLU, SAO PAULO
The department store occupies a five-story neoclassical palazzo, filled with security guards. South America's rich shop here. 120 designer boutiques are located next to local favelas. Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Ronaldo, and local dictators buy everything here: from Maseratis to real estate.
The department store is especially known for the beauty of its saleswomen, a helipad on the roof, and free alcoholic drinks offered to customers.
The most relevant purchase: shorts and a guitar with diamond trim.