With Istanbul hosting its own bi-yearly fashion week, there is no shortage of upscale department stores for people interested in shopping at some of the best department stores in the world. Most of these stores are found in Istanbul's Nisantasi neighborhood, the equivalent to New York's Upper East Side, which features the Turkish version of Fifth Avenue.
When people think of shopping in Istanbul, their minds immediately go to the Grand Bazaar. Even though the Grand Bazaar is a must-see on every traveler’s list, there are a few upscale department stores that the well-heeled of Istanbul venture to in order to get their fix of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and Zac Posen. Unfortunately, international labels tend to be more expensive in Turkey, thanks to the import taxes, but that only means that you will have to shop with a more discerning eye to ensure that the purchase is worth every lira.
Beymen is Istanbul’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue. The store carries multiple labels as well as their own in-house brand. If shoppers can’t make it to the seven-story Nisantasi store, there are four other locations scattered around Istanbul. Even though customers can find internationally recognizable brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Donna Karan, the store has something for every member of the family and the home. The store carries children’s clothes, as well as a brand for young adults named Beymen Club.
Address: Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi 23
1 Nisantasi
Phone: +90 (212) 335 65 00
Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Visitors to Vakko could never imagine that the store had humble beginnings. Today it is practically an all-in-one buyer’s heaven with the likes of Zuhair Murad, Zac Posen and Mulberry under one roof. Buyers can shop for wedding dresses, their homes and their children. Naturally Vakko thinks of everything because not only can wealthy Istanbulites outfit themselves and their abode, but their yachts too. Vakko is a must-visit for the serious fashionistas simply for Zac Posen’s line of exclusive prints and fabrics, only available in Turkey. For those who can’t afford Vakko’s clothes, have no fear. The store is well-known for producing wonderful chocolates that are beautifully wrapped with care. There are multiple locations throughout Turkey but the flagship store is the place to go for the buyer who wants everything.
Address: Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi 23
Nisantasi
Phone: +90 (212) 248 50 11
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The UK exported Harvey Nichols to Istanbul in 2006 and the store has been going strong ever since. Although shoppers won’t catch glimpses of Patsy and Edina they can shop like they do, and more. It is located in the expensive new Kanyon Mall in Levent and gives shoppers 8,000 sq. meters to explore, as well as being so pleasing to the eye that it was awarded the Best International Retail Interior in 2007. Yet, people do not shop according to a store’s interior design and as a result Harvey Nichols have made sure to continue their reputation for exclusive clothing. Some of the brands the stores carries are Diane Von Furstenberg, Salvatore Ferragamo, Isaia and Christian Louboutin.
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi
No. 185 Kanyon Alisveris
Merkezi
Phone: +90 (212) 319 11 55
Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Ashley Boykin Kartal - I was born in New Orleans and at an early age my mom introduced me to reading and writing and I never looked back. While I was modeling, I ...
Join the Conversation