Vila Madalena is ripe with small, independent shops with everything from clothes and shoes to gifts and statement interiors pieces. Over the years, the growing popularity of the neighbourhood has pushed prices up, attracting newer, more expensive boutiques and smart home interiors shops, but there are still bargains to be found.
For relaxing retail therapy, the key is to avoid trekking uphill; so start at the top and meander down, finishing off at one of the Vila’s numerous bars and cafés.
Top shops
Fernanda Yamamoto
Rua Aspicuelta 441, 3032 7979, fernandayamamoto.com.br
Invest in one of Brazil's up-and-coming fashion talents – Fernanda Yamamoto – she was one of the first of the young-guard to open her boutique in the area. Read more on Fernanda Yamamoto
Juliana Bicudo
Rua Girassol 170, 3031 7802, julianabicudo.com.br
It's all about retro-style leather footwear in this store. But we recomment the flats if you've got to contend with these hilly streets on a daily basis. Read more on Juliana Bicudo
Flavia Aranha
Rua Harmonia 234, 3031 1703, flaviaaranha.com
Grown-up fashion for eco-savvy shoppers, the organic womenswear designs here are simple yet stylish. Read more on Flavia Aranha
Avatim Cheiros da Terra
Rua Aspicuelta 228, 3023 5612, avatim.com.br
It's possible to take the scent of Brazil with you wherever you go, if you stock up with goodies from this store. Read more on Avatim Cheiros da Terra
A La Garçonne
Rua João Moura 395, alagarconne.com.br
Inspired by the 1920s and 1930s, this store sells fun-cut, stylish clothes for men, women and children, plus a range of furniture and decor.
Antes de Paris
Rua Aspicuelta 194, 3819 6046, antesdeparis.com.br
Chicer than the rest of the ultra-modern stores scattered around Vila Madalena, Antes de Paris values classic French elegance.
Brechó Vó Judith
Rua Aspicuelta 258, 3037 7808, brechovojudith.blogspot.com
Retros, vintagers and hipsters from Vila
Madalena love this high-quality secondhand store. Read more on Brechó Vó Judith
Calu Fontes
Rua Luiz Anhaia 91, 3034 0352, calufontes.com
Oriental symbols, 1920s pinup girls and beautiful birds dotted with flowers in bright colours liven up vases, pitchers, salad bowls, teapots, teacups and other ceramic household objects. Read more on Calu Fontes
CAS
Rua Fidalga 317, 2597 2109,
casmoda.com.br
Shoe maniacs go crazy in this store – and get a 10 per cent discount on their birthdays.
King 55
Rua Harmonia 452, 3032 1838, king55.com.br
Contemporary, urban and packed with details, this store is great for skinny jeans and checked shirts.
Peppa
Rua Aspicuelta 321, 3032 8076, casapeppa.blogspot.com
Find modern home
accessories at this quirky shop, which could easily be in Palermo Soho,
Buenos Aires.
Severina
Rua Aspicuelta 18, 2935 3606, severina.com.br
Imagine the whole of Praça Benedito Calixto market in one store: bags, wallets, accessories and a mini collection of clothes.
UMA
Rua Girassol 273, 3813 5559, uma.com.br
Tailoring and a sportswear perfume are designer Raquel Davidowicz’s strong points.
Pitstops
Coffee Lab
Rua Fradique Coutinho 1340, 3375 7400, coffeelab.com.br
Learn the art of coffee tasting at this quirky specialist café, complete with a Diedrich coffee roaster. Read more on Coffee Lab
Ekoa Café
Rua Fradique Coutinho 914, 3032 7842, ekoacafe.com.br
Take a coffee break here, or peruse the small selection of handcrafted goods on sale upstairs. Read more on Ekoa Café
Novelaria Knit Café
Rua Mourato Coelho 678, 3729 7188, novelaria.com.br
Stitch as you sip in this charming Vila Madalena craft café-cum-store. Read more on Read more on Novelaria Knit Café
