Design for Travelers: Boutiques, Objects & the People Who Make Them

Trending

A handful of editor-chosen articles to start with — the ones we keep sending people to.

Copenhagen · New in 2026Hye The StoreDenmarkKorean and Japanese craft in a Nordhavn warehouse, opened by a former Seoul editor — Århusgade 128HBerlin · Concept storeAndreas MurkudisGermanyMore gallery than shop — Potsdamer Straße 81, Mon–Sat 11–19Tokyo · Multi-floorDover Street Market GinzaJapanRei Kawakubo's concept store across several floors — 6-9-5 Ginza, daily 11–20Seoul · Flagship as installationGentle Monster Haus Nowhere DosanSouth KoreaEyewear flagship built as an art space, café in the basement — 50 Apgujeong-ro 46-gil

From our writers

Dzmitry Samal, SAMAL DESIGNFounder of SAMAL DESIGN, Paris

“The way I use glasses is nothing to do with my eyes. Eyewear changes a face; it is the fastest piece of design a person can wear.”

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Locals Insider TeamLifestyle Influencer in Berlin

“Berlin's vintage archives sit on the ground floors of apartment buildings, which is why the good ones are found on foot.”

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From the 2026 lists

Eight concept stores across four cities, each checked against its live listing — addresses, opening days, and what makes it worth the walk.

Off the beaten path

Two of our most-read editorial deep dives in this category.

Object · Editor's pick

Teenage Engineering's wooden Choir: the gadget you don't need until you hear it

Eight wooden dolls that sing — each a voice, together a choir. Made in Stockholm, useless in every practical sense, and one of the few objects that makes a room go quiet when it starts.

Locals Insider Team

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Fashion · Travel object

Martine Rose's foldable bag — fashion's DHL moment

A bag designed to be flattened and shipped, then unfolded on arrival. The kind of object that belongs in a hub about travel and design equally.

• Martine Rose foldable bag
• Ferm Living Rico lounge chair
• SAMAL DESIGN eyewear

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Browse the archive

Design category - it is where we explore the best hidden local design shops and showcase unique finds. From handcrafted lamps and wool vests to statement accessories and bespoke home décor, discover inspiring pieces from around the world that redefine style.

by Maxim Languev · Sep 5, 2026“Born With Flowers in My Head”: French Riviera Gardens, Villas and Cafés by Maxim Languev, Florist and Decorator in Niceby Peter Simonsson · Aug 26, 2026The White Briefs Founder on Redefining Men’s Underwear and Guide to Sweden’s Österlenby Cecilie de la Prada · Jun 10, 2026My Copenhagen, in Pearls and Sparkle: Cecilie de la Prada on Dudette & the Cityby Alex Copenguy · May 6, 2026Catawiki Online Auction Review – The Best Marketplace App for Collectibles? by Locals Insider · Dec 12, 2025Inside Berlin Vintage Corner: A Local’s Fashion Refuge in a Changing Cityby Locals Insider · Aug 1, 2025The Best Designer Phone Cases for Travelersby Nick Nomi · Nov 15, 2024Top Avant-Garde Fashion Boutiques Around the World: Must Visit Concept Storesby Alex Copenguy · Nov 7, 2024Tom Rossau Handcrafted Lamp Store and Workshop in Copenhagenby Alex Copenguy · Nov 7, 2024Giggeli Project: Handmade Penis Candles and Soaps Breaking Taboos – Come by When in Helsinkiby Alex Copenguy · Nov 6, 2024My Favorite Merino Wool Vests by Chateau Orlando & Luke Edward Hallby Alex Copenguy · Nov 6, 2024Larissa Hadjio’s Killer Shoulder Bag: A Wild, Handcrafted Statement Pieceby Alex Copenguy · Nov 6, 2024Larissa Hadjio’s Shrimp Clutches: Chic Accessory Handcrafted in Londonby Alex Copenguy · Nov 6, 2024Ellipse Oak Lamp: Handcrafted Danish Elegance in Delicate Oak Layersby Alex Copenguy · Nov 6, 2024Orca Lounge Chair: Cozy Artistry with Faroese Wool and Wild Design in Tórshavnby Martin Eriksen (Danemaq) · Nov 5, 2024Top 7 Unique Concept Stores and Local Designer Boutiques in Amsterdam