Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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.
White-leather trefoil chairs and gleaming walnut side tables with black-lacquer details are among the many heavenly furniture items in this art-deco emporium. Much more packable (though not cheap) are the Clarice Cliff dinner services or French rosewood cigar boxes.
The approach at this trendy streetwear store is 100% practical: dreamed up by brothers who are industrial designers, all of the flat-front shirts, pants, and rain jackets have pockets, seams, and buttons positioned for maximum utility. Everything looks great, too. With a product range that includes footwear and underwear, it's a one-stop guy shop.
Model-turned-designer Dolores Barreiro provides a fresh take on tribal prints by injecting them with bold colors. Acid oranges and yellows fuse comfortably with turquoise and lavender: the result is a fun collection of Indian- and African-inspired beach frocks, wraps, and skirts.
Previously known for innovative, beautifully designed necklaces and rings, Homero has taken a new turn by adding heirloom pieces to its selection: choose from jewels (including complete sets), watches, and other unique items—each with its own story.
The hit leather brand Jackie Smith is the brainchild (and perhaps alter ego) of designer Valeria Smith. Characterized by boisterous colors, it includes an extensive range of fun and fabulous purses, clutches, handbags, and shoulder bags for 30-something women.
Thickly wedged heels and points that taper beyond reason and are some of Ferroni's trademarks. Stacked heels in dark textured leather with metallic trim look like a contemporary take on something Evita might have worn. If all that height brings on vertigo, fear not: the three-tone boots and ballet pumps are pancake-flat.
Jessica Trosman has left the helm of her eponymous brand and taken an urban turn, giving her new JT label a fresh minimalist look that fuses geometric and industrial elements. The Villa Crespo store combines a design studio, a dressmaking workshop, and a textile lab—all in open view.
Argentina's legendary orefebre (silversmith) has made pieces for a mile-long list of celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Sharon Stone, Antonio Banderas, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, and Spanish royalty. A set of ornate silver-handled steak knives is the perfect memento of cow country, although it will set you back several grand.
Local rugby players love this brand—one of the few to stock sizes large enough to fit them. Rugby and polo jerseys are a welcome variation on soccer shirts as sporty souvenirs; T-shirts printed with rugby caricatures are a more humorous option. Less macho basics include good-quality shirts and polos in a rainbow of pastels. The functional anoraks look almost too cool among classic khakis and V-necks.
Branches of Kosiuko, the ultimate local teen brand, are always packed with trendy adolescents served by hip-wiggling staff not much older than they are. The girls come for the improbably small, low-cut denim, the guys for budding metrosexual-wear under the Herencia brand. Kosiuko's fragrances and deodorant are a favorite with the population's most perspiring age group.
It's all very space odyssey at Kostüme, a B.A. Fashion Week fave. Extra-brief dresses might be made of netting or bunched-up nylon and worn over drainpipe trousers. Many tops are asymmetrical, and pants come with saddlebag-like protrusions. Check out the Vader boots, a collaboration with Pony.
A Spanish-style abode built in 1745 contains several tempting shops. One is filled with enough miniature wooden furniture to fill several dollhouses; another sells golden-age Argentine cinema posters. Wind-up monkeys, brass fittings, old apothecary bottles, and vintage leather suitcases are other interesting finds.
Being a number-one polo player wasn't enough for Adolfo Cambiaso—he founded his own team in 1995, then started a clothing line that he also models for. If you think polo is all about knee-high boots and preppy chinos, think again: Cambiaso sells excellent urban menswear and this store includes a café. The Italian-cotton shirts, sharp leather jackets, and to-die-for totes are perfect for any occasion.
This sumptuous haberdashery is a shrine to texture. Piles of floaty Indian scarves, ostrich-feather fans, and fur-lined leather gloves beg to be stroked, then purchased. Even more hands-on are the reels of lace trims and sequined edging that line the walls.
The brainchild of Uruguayan actress Natalia Oreiro and her sister, Las Oreiro focuses on casual glam. Feminine yet sexy, their garments can do double duty as daywear and early-evening cocktail attire.
Some are classic, others are ultrahip, but all Lázaro handbags and purses are notable for their simple lines, minimal adornment, and high-quality workmanship. Check out specific collections which include fabulous futuristic totes, document holders, and bandolier bags; plenty of inner divisions make them truly travel-worthy.
This is Argentina's budget answer to Polo by Ralph Lauren: the logo is two crossed polo sticks, and yes, polo shirts are the best seller. But there are also well-made khakis, Argyle sweaters, jackets, and shirts in preppy cuts and plain colors. Pink, light-blue, and sandy yellow are favorite tones.
If you don't feel inspired to put pen to paper for your epic novel after visiting this well-stuffed book boutique, it simply isn't meant to be. Wander through to the café at the back to peruse your purchase or attend one of the regular literary workshops hosted here.
Ligier has a string of wine stores across the city and lots of experience guiding bewildered drinkers through their impressive selection. Although they stock some boutique-vineyard wines, they mostly carry big names such as Rutini, Catena Zapata, and Luigi Bosca; ask about tastings.
The ’80s are alive and well at Lupe, where the bright T-shirt dresses are all about draping and plunging necklines, with plenty of animal prints. Also check out the fitted shirts and effective use of color blocks.
This store hails from posh Uruguayan beach resort Punta del Este, so it's no surprise that bikinis (picture floral appliqués, glitter, and ruffles) are the main attraction. A comfortable selection of tunics, tank tops, and trousers complete the collection.
Forget diamonds. In Manu Lizarralde's hands it's uncut emeralds, topaz, and rough tourmaline that are a girl's best friend. His trademark chunky rings and heavy necklaces combine irregular semiprecious stones in geometric silver settings.
Irregular natural linen, hand-knit sweaters, cow-hair boots—it's all about texture at Marcelo Senra, a long-established local designer. Loose, flowing evening dresses come in raw silk or satin, offset by belts or chunky wooden jewelry. Handwoven accessories that complement the clothes' earthy palette are reason enough to visit Senra's Almagro showroom. Make a reservation first.
Let the yards of racks draw you into this lanky shop, where simple cuts and swaths of natural fabrics make urban working clothes feel a touch Jedi-like. The earthy, deconstructed look is heightened by details such as unfinished hems or exposed seams. This is one of the most popular women's brands around.
A rising star on the style scene, Maria Lizaso's Palermo showroom is definitely worth a visit (reservations are recommended). Go nautical with stripy Brit-inspired seaside apparel, or opt for an uptown look with one of her sassy LBDs. Brides-to-be will also want to ogle the young designer's gorgeous wedding gowns.
Industrial-looking brushed silver rings and necklaces knit from fine stainless-steel cables are some of the attractions at this tiny shop. Architect and sculpturist María Medici also combines silver with primary-color resin to make unusual-looking rings.
The quirky, postmodern souvenirs this store specializes in are a welcome variation from classic mate gourds or gaucho knives. Take the ubiquitous cow, which has been reformed into a leather vampire-bat key holder, or the piglet change purse. Beautiful bags, silver and steel bijouterie as well as tango-themed soaps are cute gift options. Head upstairs to browse clothes by a variety of designers.
You won't see any billboards around town for Mickey: reputation is a far better way of advertising. Generations of porteños have been coming here for top-quality shirts, suits, and footwear at reasonable prices. Young, energetic assistants are as happy to show you wide-collar shirts in splendidly patterned Italian cotton as well as classic button-downs.
Everything a gentleman needs to accessorize like a lord is arrayed in the minimalist storefront. Vintage timepieces are the specialty, from turn-of-the-20th-century pocket watches to a 14k gold 1950s Longines wristwatch with a snakeskin strap. Jeweled tiepins, cuff links, cigarette cases, and even an evil dog-headed walking cane round out the stock.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
