Question. Where do fashion victims shop? Answer. The Fashion Clinic, of course. This is the only multibrand luxury store in Lisbon offering men and women's clothing. For the ladies, Fashion Clinic means be able to browse under one roof for a veritable who's who of designer labels, celebrated names such as Gucci, Yves Sant Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Givenchy, Stella McCartney and Christian Louboutin, among other fashion glitterati. The clothing range is illuminating in its diverse colour and style, with silk skirts and dresses in vivid hues (or stark monotone if you prefer). Printed and ruffled blouses, pleated shirts, flare and sports trousers and cropped jackets are all displayed alongside equally eye-catching accessories that number bags, shoes, sunglasses and jewellery.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: The Fashion Clinic concept affords customers a memorable luxury experience by bringing together some of the most renowned designer labels under one roof.
Paul's expert tip: After shopping, head for Tivoli Forum's lower level for a meal and refreshments at the food court.
Synonymous with wedding gowns and cocktail dresses, Spanish fashion brand Rosa Clará is well established in this competitive niche market. Partnering with haute couture designers of such eminence as Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld and Zuhair Murad, the company's bridalwear has become the choice of nuptial attire for many celebrities. Equally alluring is the beautifully elegant cocktail dress range. Creations like their beaded crepe and lace dress (the one in cobalt is exquisite) and the chic long, lightweight silk muslin example with beaded asymmetrical neckline (look for the fuchsia) demonstrate why Rosa Clará apparel has achieved such venerable fashion status. And if you're not shopping for a gown or dress, Rosa Clará's accessory range with its shoes, veils and hair ornamentation, among other items, will inspire.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: For elegant and sophisticated cocktail dresses or beautifully romantic wedding gowns, Rosa Clará is without doubt the fashion house to consider.
Paul's expert tip: Finings for wedding dresses are by appointment.
Pinko's flagship Lisbon store complements its existing premises in Porto, the country's second city, and affords the contemporary fashion brand, known for its singular Italian spirit, a high profile presence in the Portuguese capital. Described as a store where the aesthetic meets technology, shoppers can use a high-tech "Store Stylist" where a touch screen monitor allows customers to create the perfect outfit by mixing and matching the entire Pinko collection. Pinko's range of apparel is extensive and includes dresses, topwear, skirts and underwear. Featuring among the accessories available are Watches, jewellery, scarves, gloves and beanies. Its current spring/summers sale sees items like double faux leather cropped blazer and short elegant dress in lightweight taffeta at very favourable prices.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: Pinko was founded in the early 1980s and remains a byword for cosmopolitan and luxurious style and glamour.
Paul's expert tip: Pinko Avenida da Liberdade women's clothing store is already showcasing its Autumn/Winter 2019-20 collection.
If the glove fits! Customers will find a pair to suit every occasion at this authentic art deco boutique, a dinky, pocket-sized boutique situated in the heart of Chiado. Hand crafted from the softest leather, there are dozens of styles in different colours to choose from that will match all sorts of gowns, dresses and other apparel. Designs range from the classically cut to the sporty and are lined with cotton, satin, silk or cashmere. The tiny interior can just about accommodate two people at a time so bespoke, personal service is guaranteed. Ulisses' reputation is such that politicians, TV personalities and socialites number among the loyal clientele, as well as visitors from around the world.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: Founded in 1925, this is the only store in the Portuguese capital dedicated to the exclusive sale of gloves.
Paul's expert tip: If shopping for a pair go gloves as a gift, ask to have them gift-wrapped.
Curated vintage clothing and retro accessories from the 1940s through to the '80s bedeck the "Ace of Spades". With an interior resembling someone's spare room or an attic perhaps, the setting is suitably ad hoc and crammed with previously worn and forgotten garments, accessories, shoes and costume jewellery. The flea market atmosphere is further enhanced by a wonderful collection of artifacts, curios and one of two antiques. Browse neat rows of hand-me-down skirts, shirts and dresses under shelves lined with sequined clutch bags, old typewriters, bow ties, oversized berets and blood red Doc Marten boots. The Bésame Cosmetics range and costume jewellery hark back to the golden age of Hollywood. This is fashion theatre at its most alluring.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: One of just a few genuine vintage clothing shops in Lisbon, Ás de Espadas is where to dress up old-fashioned retro style.
Paul's expert tip: Besides its function as a clothes store, the boutique hosts occasional vintage hairstyling workshops and other themed get-togethers. Check their Facebook page for announcements.
A lovely accessory to any women's apparel is a hat. It can top off a frock, dress, jacket and even jeans and T-shirt. At the "Hat Factory" the range is quirky and eclectic. Browse the boutique for berets, beanies and backerboy styles. How about a cap or a bucket hat? Perhaps you're looking for something with a large brim, medium brim or small brim? Maybe a fedora, or a porkpie? They also sell ceremony hats, fascinators, classic trilby hats and turbans. There are literally dozens of different styles to match your profile, with summer and winter collections displayed in this wonderful store that, er, positively brims with headwear.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: The A Fábrica dos Chapéus chain of hat shops are locally owned and make great mementos of any visit to the Portuguese capital.
Paul's expert tip: Tailor-made hats can be hand crafted to order. You can also shop online.
The "Lady, or Queen of Hearts" bra and lingerie store has over 100 bras of different sizes available, with band sizes from 28 to 46 and cup sizes from A to K. Customers are invited for a bra fitting when expert staff determine the correct size of brassiere and advise on the most suitable style according to the characteristics of your bust. This personal and discreet service means that women of all shapes and sizes can feel comfortable when seeking to buy an item here, the lingerie range of which extends to many different styles and colours including sports bras, corsets and even bridal wear. The Bath Collection features bikinis, bathing suits and loungewear.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: Set within a historic building designed by renowned Portuguese architect Raúl Lino (1879�—1974), Dama de Copas caters for women seeking stylish attire whatever their size.
Paul's expert tip: A special Bridal Shower service set in a private room is provided for wives- to -be in order to find their perfect lingerie combination while surrounded by friends, with champagne provided!
Unique handmade apparel is the stock in trade of Lidija Kolovrat. Regarded as one of Portugal's most innovative artists, Kolovrat, who is originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is also a prominent fashion designer celebrated. Working mostly with silk, leather and cotton, her clothing line represents a daring and wholly original approach to dressing the female form. Kolovrat79 works on several levels, as a boutique, art gallery and atelier. Indeed, this multi-functional space serves as a hub of creativity. Here clothes include dresses, jumpsuits and co-ords, some in vibrant hues, others in stark monotone. She's also an advocate of digital print design. Bags and hand-painted shoes number the accessories and there's also a jewellery range in brass, silver and gold plate. Everything is handcrafted in the loft studio above the shop where a select and highly specialized team transforms Kolovrat's imaginative thought process into reality.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: Stylish, edgy and original, the clothing at Kolovrat79 helps define an individual's taste and personality.
Paul's expert tip: Customers can approach the boutique with a design idea that Kolovrat will interpret in her own unique way to produce an item singular in its appeal.
TMcollection celebrates the timeless woman and her desire to reflect who she is and the way they she lives. Such is the underlying philosophy of this fashion boutique, whose collections embody the free-spirited and independent nature of the modern, expressive female. A savvy design team led under the auspices of creative director Teresa Martins develops a range of apparel created from 100% natural fabrics. Garments are embellished with exclusive prints, textures, or embroidery, making each piece unique and individual. Numbering among the clothing available are shirts, jackets, tunics, dresses, tops, skirts and trousers. TMcollection also sells knitwear. Accessories include collars and necklaces, and an unusual ensemble of home decorations.
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: With each garment separately tailored, TMcollection is an experience for any woman looking to express her individuality and singular personality.
Paul's expert tip: TMcollection designs bridal gowns to unique styles and patterns, from first sketches to final fittings.
Scarves, hats, capes, coats, and jackets handmade from 100% wool and cotton and in colours inspired by the Portuguese landscape are sold at this charming store. Chic Coracao has its origins in a family wool business, and the purchase of obsolete machinery from closed-down wool manufacturing factories. Refurbished equipment put back into service is used to produce a range of authentic clothing spun from lambs' wool. The company's production facilities are located in Serra de Aire, in Portugal's central region. Besides offering a traditional range of warm and snug outdoors attire, the store also sells accessories including shoulder bags made from wool and cotton and lined with cork. Look out, too, for the quirky woolen toys selection, which make fantastic gifts!
Recommended for Women's Clothing because: By selling authentically manufactured 100% wool and cotton garments, Chic Coração is maintaining a tradition that goes back centuries.
Paul's expert tip: The store can arrange visits to its factory and showroom in Serra de Aire. Book in advance on +351 24 402 6858.