Buenos Aires Shops

Tucked into the corner of the beautiful retail and restaurant concept that is Casa Cavia, walking into Blumm is an all senses on deck experience—every surface is covered in bright blooms, and their fresh scent fills the space. Owner and master florist Camila Gassiebayle is a former fashion stylist and consultant and her unique aesthetic is what sets Blumm apart. The arrangements are strictly seasonal and more bohemian than done up. Order a bunch, let Gassiebayle work her magic, and enjoy a coffee next door, or browse the chic selection of vases, pots, and botanically themed books (all of which make great gifts).

This atelier—founded by an Italian husband and wife duo in 1892—makes, arguably, the most superlative polo boots in the world. Despite the longevity of this family business, practices have remained largely unchanged, with the boots still made by hand in the store to this day—more often than not by octogenarian Rodolfo Fagliano himself. The artisanal production process is painstaking in its detail—leathers are selected for durability and softness (the Fagliano’s prefer cordovan, calfskin, and buffalo hide), and soles are cut and prepared all on a 1920s sewing machine. While a pair of these exquisite handmade boots don't come cheap and the waiting list can be months-long, for the true polo-enthusiast these boots are worth it. Every detail is customizable, from the leather to the thread color to the type of brass nails used. If you absolutely must have a piece of this craftsmanship in your life without the hefty price tag, Casa Fagliano also offers a selection of other leather products like watch straps and belts.

Buenos Aires is typically known for its tango and steak, but the written word is also a big deal around here with a bookstore on practically every corner. El Ateneo is not your run-of-the-mill bookseller: housed in a former grand theater built in 1919, this imposing, cavernous space is now packed floor-to-ceiling with books set amidst the original ornate fixtures. A particularly thoughtful detail is the in-store café, built onto what was once the tango stage, and still framed by dramatic red velvet drapes. Spend a few hours taking it all in and wrap up with a strong cortado center stage.

While San Telmo is known for its incredible Sunday street fair, the bounty of antique stores and quaint restaurants make it a worthy destination any day of the week. Case in point: this impressive boutique specializing in early- and mid-century vintage clothing and homewares. The space feels like an artful labyrinth packed with accessories and clothes—from flapper dresses to lace wedding gowns—all of which is meticulously displayed between rows of beaded necklaces and Bakelite bracelets. The upstairs houses most of the homewares, including rare china, vintage crystal, and gorgeous textiles. A collector's dream.

Anushka Elliot's ethereal dresses and tunics in loose linens and floaty silks serve as ideal transitional pieces, perfect for both the pampas and the city. A little bohemian, her designs are a reflection of time spent studying in Palermo and in London with a stint at American Vogue. By appointment only, Elliot’s Palermo showroom is well worth a visit if you're looking for one-of-a-kind pieces you can't find elsewhere or to add a heavy dose of femininity to your wardrobe.

Argentinian designer Jessica Trosman (formerly of the label TrosmanChurba) is the proprietress of what many would agree is the most stylistically dynamic boutique in the city. Located in a renovated warehouse, the space—all whitewashed walls with a dramatic mirrored glass structure surrounded by suspended greenery acting as a dressing room in the center—is a true pleasure to shop. (Trosman’s design studio is out back and you’ll often spy her sketching away through the glass walls.) Admittedly, the candy-colored and dip-dyed patterns and elaborate, over-the-top silhouettes are not for everyone, those in the market for something truly unexpected will hit the motherlode here.

Juan Hernandez Daels is a Belgian-Argentinian designer who studied both in Antwerp and in London’s Central St. Martins. Having cut his teeth at Dries Van Noten and Raf Simons before launching his own flagship in Buenos Aires in 2014, it's no wonder at all that his line is defined by sharp tailoring and conceptual silhouettes—expect beautifully deconstructed separates with plenty of cocktail attire thrown in.

Panorama is one of the more avante-garde boutiques in the city in the sense that the owners (a trio of Argentine designers) adhere strictly to stocking the best edit of emerging Argentinian talent. The store itself is a completely white space, save a few pops of neon, highlighting the colors and textures of the pieces displayed. Browse through buttery leather bags by Le Bas, chunky knits from Maydi, and dresses from a handful of under-the-radar brands. This multi-line concept store is the perfect for bringing home something you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Tramando designer Martin Churba is so fixated on the quality and innovative elements of his textiles that he has his own lab specifically for experimenting. Churba produces ready-to-wear pieces that are hyper-modern in both silhouette and fabrication (think of him as the Argentinian Rick Owens). Shirts are either wildly patterned or unexpectedly sheer, the cocktail pieces, meanwhile, are chic and modern. The are four stores in the city, so you can't miss it.

Argentina is known for exceptional leather craftsmanship, which is on full display in this family-owned shop. Originating in the mid-1980s, Arandu started out making bespoke leather saddles and bridles, eventually expanding to bags, boots, wallets, and other handmade items, including silver, wood, and ceramic accessories. Detailing is the focal point of every piece, down to the pristine stitching on the jackets and shoes. Leave ample time to explore the entire shop (which smells, of course, like gorgeous leather), as you're likely to find something truly special—say, a traditional steak knife made by their in-house silversmith?