Chandler House and the Voorkamer Gallery

Curiosities abound at one of Cape Town’s most beloved little nooks. Owner and creative Michael Chandler’s brainchild Chandler House has fast become at institution for all things beauteous and quirky. Whether you need a gift, or are looking to adorn your walls with local art both fine and fabulous, Chandler House is a home for all things aesthetic within the city. Monthly exhibitions take place at The Voorkamer Gallery, and the shop itself is a Cape Town essential for locals and tourists alike.

Open Tuesday to Saturday
53 Church Street
021 424 4810
chandlerhouse.co.za

Image: Karl Rogers

Santa Maria Novella

The centuries-old Florentine perfumery and pharmacy has a Capetonian outpost in this spectacular shop in De Waterkant. Santa Maria Novella’s handmade products have long captured the European imagination: think elegant perfumes, contemporary skincare products, and oils. And now Tuscany, in all its fragrant fullness, is on our proverbial stoep. Do yourself a kindness and luxuriate for a moment in this fine boutique, a real piece of Italian heritage in the Cape.

Open Monday to Saturday
Cape Quarter Piazza, 68 Waterkant Street,
021 425 8181
SantaMariaNovellaAfrica


Maison Mara

In Paris, there is a white shopping bag that bears two cobalt blue dots on its side. More than a means of carrying goods, it’s a cultural signifier of a purchase that is both current and cool. This coveted bag is from Colette, a boutique that has become something of a pilgrimage during Paris Fashion Week. The Maison Mara luxury boutique in De Waterkant is our Colette. But Maison Mara is fresher, with a refined aesthetic that places more focus on timeless style than on passing trends.

Open Monday to Saturday
5 Jarvis Street
021 418 1600
maisonmara.co.za


AKJP Collective

This concept was devised by Keith Henning (of Adriaan Kuiters) and Jody Paulsen as the quintessential stockist for a selection of high-end local designers. The boutique is located in the ever-bustling Kloof street, and its list of en vogue designs includes the internationally acclaimed Pichulik, House of Gozdawa, Nicholas Coutts, Lukhanyo Mdingi, W35T, Matblac, Selfi, and Amanda Laird Cherry among others — essentially, this is where the fashion royalty come to shop.

Open Monday to Saturday.
73 Kloof Street
021 424 5502
adriaankuiters.com


Shelf Life

The mecca for sneakers, and by mecca we don’t only mean this is where sneakerheads come to worship the coveted footwear: it is also where they camp outside on the eve of an international release of limited shoes from premium brands, such as Puma, Nike, or Adidas. Shelf Life was the only store in the country to stock the ultra-limited edition Adidas Consortium Range of sneakers, as well as the Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 — it’s where it’s at.

Open Monday to Saturday
167 Longmarket Street
021 422 3931
shelflife.co.za

Image: Karl Rogers

Wild Olive African Artisans

Wild Olive African Artisans is an organic apothecary and artistic perfumery by the captivating Marioara de la Tara. As a scent, candle, and lotion developer, de la Tara draws her inspiration from Africa, its people, and unique nature. “I am inspired by the richness of the Cape Flora. We have an entire perfumery line, called Flora Capensis, created only from the Cape Fynbos” de la Tara says.

Open Monday to Saturday.
29 Pepper Street
021 422 2777
wildolive.eu

Image: Karl Rogers
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