Some travellers are lucky to have in-the-know friends leading them to the best spots, frequented by locals in far-flung destinations. Of course, if we are talking about world capitals - London, New York, Paris among others - we might like to believe we are familiar with our hidden gems. However, as we well know, even the most familiar face can be protecting a secret worth knowing!
We bring you undiscovered treasures from the cities loved most by design lovers in the know:
London
Photo credits: Baltrust
RIBA Bookshops
Royal Institute of British Architects bookshop, right at the heart of the city, off Marylebone, is a true pleasure for architecture and design fans. The shop offers plenty of items for your reading list, stocking rare books and collectibles from little-known nooks around the world.
Photo credits: Architectural Digest
KÖNIG Galerie
The preferred location for shows by a younger generation of artists, the Galerie currently represents over 30 emerging and established artists. Head here for avant-garde work focussed on interdisciplinary, concept-oriented and space-based approaches in a variety of media including sculpture, video, sound, painting, printmaking, photography and performance.
Photo credits: Alex Eagle Studio
Alex Eagle Studio
This hip concept store is set in the hipster paradise of Soho and is filled with designer Alex Eagle’s namesake line and her stylish finds on extensive travels. Art meets ceramic and accessory, including womenswear and beauty products in this eclectically curated trove.
Paris
Photo credits: Arch Daily
Maison La Roche
Lovers of legendary French architect Le Corbusier’s work should not miss this one, for the Maison La Roche in the 16th arrondissement is one of the first buildings designed by him in Paris. Currently home to the Foundation Le Corbusier, it still displays furnishings made or chosen by the architect. Head here to take in the genius of the man.
Photo credits: Architectural Digest
Hôtel National des Art et Métiers
Designer and art director Raphael Navot reimagines this hotel in Paris's Marais neighborhood in an elegant and tranquil palette. Stay the night and soak in the atmosphere, coming away with ideas on design that accentuates natural material and tips for custom furniture.
Photo credits: Trip Advisor
French Trotters
Head to this quirky store by Carole and Clarent Dehlouz, which stocks a curated selection of clothing, homeware, and magazines for rare finds not to be found elsewhere. They boast their own clothing line and collaborations with artist off the beaten track.
New York
Photo credits: French Trotters
Nalata Nalata
Head to this Bowery concept store for functional and beautiful home goods, including cooking tools and storage pieces. Curated by owners Stevenson Aung and Ange?lique Chmielewski who work exclusively with artists, expect artisanal fare not to be found elsewhere. Even if you don’t pick anything up, expect to come away with divine inspiration for your home!
Photo credits: Nalata Nalata
Hauser & Wirth
Previously the home of the legendary Roxy disco and roller rink, this massive space was transformed by Selldorf Architects into a single, column-free exhibition hall, complete with trussed ceilings. Featuring a site-specific installation by Martin Creed ‘Work No. 1461’, crafted from colourful rolls of tape, at its entrance, this is the definition of industrial chic.
Photo credits: Architectural Digest
The Morgan Library and Museum
Founded in 1906, the Palladian-style space houses a treasure trove of rare artwork and a wealth of manuscripts and drawings. The collection includes an array of historic pieces, from three Gutenberg Bibles to the letters of J.D. Salinger.
Paris, London or New York - which one will you pencil into your calendar?
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