Coolest neighbourhoods: Street style around the world

The world’s capital cities present a crystal ball of what will show on the catwalks in seasons to come. The leading fashion houses and high street chains have long taken influence from the innovative, eccentric and downright outlandish street styles that are perpetually paraded on pavements from London to Tokyo. For your satorial pleasure, we’ve rounded up a selection of the hottest cities around the globe for street style and capital chic.

Erratic London

London has always been the epicentre of the fashion world, especially when it comes to street style- and nowhere’s more “on trend” right now than the north London districts of Dalston and Stoke Newington. Lured by cheap rents and a vibrant and diverse nightlife, the streets of these adjoining neighbourhoods teem with creative types including photographers, artists and the next big fashion designers. Multi-media performance space, Vogue Fabrics Dalston, is where you should head first to immerse yourself in a heady mix of fashion, art and disco.

Cyber Tokyo

Japanese ever-present pop culture fuels the legendary districts such as Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. Here, streets are the catwalk, and you can be the audience.
From Harajuku to the latest anime characters, Tokyo residents are known throughout the world for their eccentric and OTT fashion. Make sure to check out the legendary game centres that are the beating hearts of both districts. Head to Yoyogi Park for the most dramatic fashion spectacles you will ever see.

Urban New York

New York’s cool and fashionable neighbourhoods always change reflecting the vibrancy of this megacity and currently, it’s the notorious Bushwick in Brooklyn. While Williamsburgh’s rents skyrocketed, all creative types moved into the nearby Bushwick, bringing with them music stores and trendy cafes. Check out the street art adorning otherwise grey and dull buildings. Bushwick is a residential area, so for a spot of nightlife head to neighbouring Williamsburg.

Stockholm’s cool

Södermalm, Stockholm’s southern island is home to boutique vintage shops, cool cafes and beaches populated by cool inhabitants. Think of minimalist chic combined with a pretty cool lifestyle. After all, Sweden is synonymous with cutting edge design studios such as Ikea and Acne. Check out the numerous exhibition centres showcasing young designers and enjoy afternoon tea with blueberry pie.

Artsy Melbourne

Melbourne’s Fitzroy art district is probably the artsiest and coolest neighbourhood in the Southern Hemisphere. The latest craze among locals includes vegan cake shops and dairy free cafes. Make sure to check out the legendary markets selling everything from antiques to designer clothes. Combine vintage shopping with world class nightlife, expect the weird and wonderful all packed within Smith Street.

High class Beijing

With China being home to the largest middle-class population in the world, it’s only natural its capital Beijing has the coolest neighbourhood in all of China. The famous Dashanzi Art District is known for its outdoor art installations and exhibitions. Fashionistas here are dressed head to toe in designer gear, making this district probably the most fashion conscious in the world. Visit the district’s numerous art galleries and finish off your night like a local in one of the 24-hour noodle bars.