<div>F<strong>ifth Avenue, New York</strong></div><div>A few kilometres from Wall Street lies the last word in luxury shopping, especially between 49th and 59th streets. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Macy’s and Tiffany are all known for their superlative selling services.</div><div> </div><div>The high-end designer shops flanking the avenue include Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Gucci, Versace, Dior and Steuben. And don’t miss the Apple Store, the most-photographed location in New York City, and FAO Schwartz, the world’s largest toy store.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient: </strong>Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary Blige and Nicole Richie spotted at Bergdorf Goodman</div><div> </div><div><strong>Avenue Montaigne, Paris</strong></div><div>Ever since Christian Dior opened his first couture house in 1946, Avenue Montaigne has hosted the crème de la crème when it comes to high fashion. It is here that you get confirmation (if you had doubts) that the French capital really is the epicentre of sophistication and style. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Chloé are all here along with some uber luxury hotels.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient:</strong> Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore and Jacques Chirac frequent shoppers at Christian Dior</div><div> </div><table width="600" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="9" cellspacing="9"><tbody><tr><td><img src="/image/image_gallery?uuid=b1175490-adb3-49e6-b084-398145dd9aa4&groupId=222852&t=1347700292619" width="600" height="200" vspace="8" hspace="8" align="left" alt="" /></td></tr><tr><td><span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128); "><strong>(Bloomberg)</strong></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /> </div><div><strong>Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills</strong></div><div>Hollywood shops here, to say the least. Perhaps the world’s glitziest and most glamorous shopping area, this is where the rich and the famous get their haute couture creations to show off on various red carpets. Star-studded sightings could happen anywhere from elegant restaurants to extravagant salons to exclusive shops such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tiffany and Chanel.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient:</strong> Almost everyone you know. Nicole Kidman, Diane Keaton, Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, the Kardashian sisters... </div><div> </div><div><strong>Via Montenapoleone, Milan<br /></strong>This fashionista paradise is the main street of a fabulous shopping neighbourhood in one of the world’s greatest style cities. All of the top Italian (and non-Italian) designers are here, together with less-exclusive ready-to-wear and jewellery shops. The most exclusive Italian shoemakers have their boutiques on this street.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient</strong>: Britney Spears and JLo seen at Pianegonda </div><div> </div><table width="600" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="9" cellspacing="9"><tbody><tr><td><img src="/image/image_gallery?uuid=ad9fcc44-9bc7-4d42-bf56-cc50b61db281&groupId=222852&t=1347700371441" width="600" height="200" vspace="8" hspace="8" align="left" alt="" /></td></tr><tr><td><strong style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128); ">(Bloomberg)</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><strong>Bond Street, London </strong></div><div>Extending from Picadilly to Oxford Street, this is Europe’s busiest boulevard. It has been a fashion epicentre for wealthy Londoners since the 18th century; today it is a much-loved destination for celebrities, socialites and the international jet set. Everyone from Asprey to Zegna is here, along with auction houses Phillips and Sotheby’s. A short hop away is the equally posh Sloane Street.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient:</strong> Patsy Kensit and Helena Christensen at Ralph Lauren</div><div> </div><div><strong>Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich</strong><br />The tree-lined avenue is a perfect place for well-heeled bankers and perfectly-coiffed ladies to shop for designer clothing, and gold watches. It is a watch lover’s haven and has a museum with antique timepieces. Stretching just over a kilometre, the pedestrian-friendly street ends with the famous luxury confectionary, the Confiserie Sprungli. </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient:</strong> Boris Becker at IWC </div><div> </div><div><strong>Ginza, Tokyo: </strong>Not exactly a street, but an entire district comprising eight blocks, Ginza has been in existence since the Edo period. It is known for its big upscale department stores such as Wako, Matsuzakaya, Matsuya and Mitsukoshi, luxury retailers, and elaborate window displays. Sony has a flagship electronic showroom here.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient:</strong> Jenson Button at Chuo Dori; Lady Gaga at Louis Vuitton</div><div> </div><div><strong>Gran Via, Madrid:</strong> Gran Vía, or Great Way, is an ornate and upscale shopping destination in the Spanish capital. Best known for the 20th century architecture that creates landmarks along its way, this bustling street is best enjoyed at night. And be sure to look skyward — many of the buildings are at their best on the roof. Don’t miss Zara, Pull & Bear and Stradivarius.<br /> </div><div><strong>Celeb quotient:</strong> Catherine Zeta Jones at Museo Chicote</div><div> </div><div>(This story was published in Businessworld Issue Dated 24-09-2012)</div>
