Bucharest shopping guide: Romanian designer goods

It’s nearly Christmas and Bucharest is already panic shopping. But don’t worry, BR is on hand to help you navigate the festive retail maze, bringing you a selection of the best places to do your Christmas shopping, from local designer fashion boutiques, through to traditional Christmas fairs, upmarket delicatessens and multi-language bookshops.

Oana Vasiliu

Atelier Merci Charity Boutique

Altogether different from the designer fashion boutiques in Bucharest, Merci Charity Boutique is the perfect place to discover hand-made items or enjoy a cup of aromatic tea – and all for a good cause. The charitable tea house has opened its own fashion brand, Port cu mine o fapta buna / I’m “wearing with me” a good cause and the money obtained from the items are given to a project called Zana Maseluta / Tooth Fairy, a program for children with cancer who need dental treatment.

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13 Smardan Street, www.facebook.com/mercicharity

Bands of creators

In the heart of Bucharest, near the Romanian Athenaeum, there is this cozy and intimate space, filled with designer clothing and accessories. As the name itself states, the creators from the band are emerging designers from Eastern Europe, but they also have a fine selection of established Romanian designers.

14 Benjamin Franklin Street, www.bandofcreators.com

Cocor Store

Unique for its Romanian fashion designers’ gallery on its second floor, which brings together more than 30 local designers, Cocor offers a variety of clothes and accessories at affordable prices, as well as bespoke options.

29-33 I.C. Bratianu Blvd. www.cocor.ro

Dada

After enjoying a fusion lunch in the unmistakable Dada style, you can pick up a dress or bag at production prices, as the building’s upper floor hosts the factory itself.

94bis Matei Voievod (restaurant/showroom), 1 Tache Ionescu (shop). www.dada.ro

Kristina Dragomir Hats

Artistic hats are created on frames made by the renowned UK Royal House specialists, with the finest and most exotic materials purchased in London, where the designer learned her craft. Kristina Dragomir is available to discuss bespoke hat options and give styling advice by appointment only.

51 Mihail Kogalniceanu, 2nd floor, access code 11. www.kristinadragomir.com

Madame Briolette

A window full of heads wearing hats, berets and caps on Magheru Boulevard heralds a store with modest interior design. However, this means little given the shelves of headgear waiting to be tested. Aside from fur hats, a multitude of felt options and classic models in many colors are locally made. Hand-knitted hats and shawls and plenty of colorful leather gloves are among the many other accessories. And all at very affordable prices.

Briolette du Cinema, 29 Magheru, corner with Biserica Amzei; Briolette Boutique, 12 Ion Campineanu

Molecule-F

For several years now, Molecule F has been the place to look for pieces by Romanian designers: the online platform currently has 43 designers and over 800 products, ranging from clothes to interior design products and even cosmetics and perfumes. Currently the online platform has opened a store in Promenada Mall, so now you can try in the dressing room whatever you want to buy.

Promenada Mall, www.molecule-f.com

Musette

A classic feminine look and comfort are the main characteristics of the Romanian-based footwear brand, Musette. Bags, clutches and belts, in various colors and styles, are also manufactured under the same name. Cristhelen B is Musette’s premium brand for women, an exclusive line produced in limited editions. For men, the Giannini line of shoes and accessories is made to the same high standards of quality and affordability.

114 Calea Victoriei, Baneasa Shopping City, Bucuresti Mall, Unirea Shopping Center, Promenada Mall, Mall Plaza, AFI Palace Cotroceni. www.musettegroup.ro

Nissa

A Romanian apparel brand for women with a modern-classical style in keeping with the latest international trends, but with a very good price/quality ratio. There is a network of shops, most of them in malls, but also a flagship store close to Romana Square (39 Dacia Blvd.).

Unirea Shopping Center, AFI Palace Cotroceni, Cora Pantelimon, Centrul Comercial Feeria-Baneasa, Centrul Comercial Orhideea. www.nissa.ro

Sepala

The footwear brand Sepala, Mihaela Glavan’s high-end line, embraces minimalism. Shoes are simple, with well-defined cuts and cutouts. Sepala Kids and RSM for men make the shopping experience one for the family.

104 Sabinelor Street. www.sepala.ro

Tudor. Personal Tailor

For a perfect item of clothing, the material should combine almost seamlessly with the stitching. Tudor. Personal Tailor works with four local tailors with 30-55 years experience in the field, but also draws on expertise from specialists in marketing, fabric and back office operations.

1-3 Episcopiei Street (inside Athenee Palace Hilton). www.tudor-tailor.com

Venera Arapu

A mono-brand store with a distinctive interior design signature, fashion designer Venera Arapu presents a range of clothing from evening gowns to shirts and coats, all suited to strong and non-conformist women, yet endowed with refinement and elegance.

42 Calea Dorobantilor Street. www.venera-arapu.com

Here are our other lists of shopping sites ideas: souvenir shops, Christmas fairs, unusual home ware, bookshops, festive food and drink, wine and dine.