As luxury retailers scale back their bricks and mortar presence (note the closing of Ralph Lauren’s marquis store in Manhattan and the shuttering of virtually all boutiques on the once-hallowed Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles), exclusive shopping experiences are now being had online.
Departures magazine, published for American Express Platinum Card members, has compiled a go-to list of e-retailers offering the highest of high-end designers. These sites, Departures says, offer a range of selection impossible to achieve in a physical shop. Have a look:
modaoperandi.com
According to Departures, this site is the most select of retail sites, stocking elite and forward-thinking designers like Giambattista Valli, Delpozo and Rosie Assoulin. It offers curated sales and premium vintage selections, as well.
24sevres.com
Run in conjunction with LVMH, this site features exclusive pieces from Kenzo, Moynat and Rick Owens designed just for the site, Departures says.
mytheresa.com
Five hundred new pieces arrive weekly to this site, Departures reports, and it has ultra-high-end labels difficult to find elsewhere.
totokaelo.com
An extension of a Seattle fashion emporium, the site features top-end designers but stands out for its beautiful packaging. It often recruits artists to create wrapping paper, Departures says.
farfetch.com
Departures claims this is the most comprehensive shopping site, connecting consumers to hundreds of boutiques from around the world.
worldsbest.com
As its name suggests, the site aims high, and even has a team that tracks down “the perfect something, whether it be a rare Chanel handbag not available online, an impossible-to-find Rolex or a seven-figure diamond ring from their exclusive jewelry collection,” according to Departures.
therealreal.com
Departures says this site made its name on curating the best selection of heavily discounted, second-hand designer pieces.
netaporter.com, mrporter.com
These are the ultimate in high-end womenswear and menswear, respectively, according to Departures.
cncpts.com
This site focuses on one thing: sneakers. Indeed, Departures says it’s the go-to site for the most in-the-know sneakerheads on the net.
ssense.com
This site is for the “in-the-know menswear shopper.” Popular lines include APC, Saint Laurent and Dries van Noten, according to Departures.
tessabit.com
The Italian e-shop, which boasts Brioni, Thom Browne and Balmain, caters to those who want a stylist to assist with wardrobe selection, Departures says.
luisaviaroma.com
This site is geared toward those who want to purchase items directly from the runway—a new trend in haute couture.
Amazon’s stepping into the food business with its planned purchase of Whole Foods attracted a lot of headlines. Perhaps receiving less fanfare was its announcement this week that is offering a “try before you buy” option for fashion consumers.
Clearly, store browsing has made the turn to web browsing, even at the highest end.
