Best Fashion Streets in the World for Sunglasses Lovers
Exploring shopping centres while travelling isn't just about retail therapy; it’s also a good way to immerse yourself in the local fashion and culture. For instance, visiting smaller hubs like flea markets can be a great way to pass the time and observe a city’s culture and people while flaneuring.
It’s also a good opportunity to relieve stress and reward yourself with unique finds that you may not be able to find anywhere else. Meanwhile, if you want to set your sights on bigger purchases, walking through dedicated shopping streets can be a great way to immerse yourself in a destination's broader fashion landscape.
For many style enthusiasts, fashion streets have become an avenue for accessing a wide range of staple accessories like sunglasses. Like many things in fashion, sunglasses have evolved from purely functional frames to essential elements in everyday life. If you’re a sunglasses lover, here are some of the best fashion streets in the world that you can explore:
Carnaby Street, London, UK
If you’re looking for a space where fashion, culture, and food collide, Carnaby Street in London is the place to be. Situated in the heart of London’s West End, this fashion district offers a welcoming atmosphere with premium shopping boutiques – from Swatch and Izipizi to Missoma – as well as a diverse culinary scene along the area's pedestrianised streets. For shoppers on the hunt for a new pair of sunnies, Carnaby Street houses a Ray-Ban store offering a wide range of men’s and women’s sunglasses with iconic designs. The Wayfarer and Aviator sunnies, for instance, are popular choices that can add a timeless flair to any outfit and are available both in stores and online. The street also hosts other eyewear retailer stores like Oakley and Bloobloom, providing sunglasses lovers with diverse options.
Via Monte Napoleone, Milan, Italy
Hailed as the world’s most expensive shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone in Milan is a global luxury hotspot perfect for travellers looking for high-end, designer eyewear. While it’s significantly smaller than other fashion districts, Via Monte Napoleone boasts neoclassical buildings that exude sophistication. The 350-metre-long street is home to Italian heritage brandssuch as Loro Piana, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Prada, which offer a wide range of designer eyewear. It also houses a Versace store, one of the world's most distinctly Milanese luxury brands. Inside the boutique, shoppers and eyewear lovers can check out a diverse range of statement frames, such as the Medusa Biggie sunglasses.
Chadstone, Melbourne, Australia
If you happen to be in the Land Down Under, make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to explore Chadstone. This world-renowned fashion destination houses over 500 stores, including over 30 luxury brands. It’s known for being the largest shopping centre in Australia, with offerings ranging from entertainment options like Legoland Discovery Centre to designer brands such as Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Emporio Armani. Chadstone also hosts the first Australian flagship store of the South Korean brand Gentle Monster, where sunglasses enthusiasts can purchase luxury eyewear like the Maison Margiela - MM220 A030 for a subtle, elegant look. The 250sqm flagship store has giant kinetic head objects that provide engaging visual narratives to visitors.
Fifth Avenue, New York, USA
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the most famous shopping street in the world. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Fifth Avenue has appeared in numerous TV shows and films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Along this 10-kilometre-long avenue, shoppers can find various stores, from high-end boutiques like Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier to more affordable shops like Banana Republic. Sunglasses enthusiasts who wish to look expensive can check out the Swarovski flagship store on Fifth Avenue, where they can find bejewelled eyewear like the SK 6027 and SK 6029, which feature crystallized temples.
Visiting various shopping hubs is a great way to find diverse choices and immerse yourself in the local fashion scene. The streets mentioned above are a treasure trove for sunglasses lovers looking for the perfect eyewear that can take their aesthetics to the next level.