The Mexico City Shopping Map
CDMX, from the locals who know it best. Guest edited by Chava Studio's Olivia Villanti
I moved to Mexico City five years ago with my Mexican-born husband and my (at the time) 3-year-old son. After 15 years in New York City, we were ready for some sort of change but didn’t know what.
I’d spent most of my career working as a magazine editor and then in the marketing departments for fashion brands. I arrived in CDMX a bit burnt out and directionless. But as fate would have it, my in-laws have been importing exceptionally luxurious fabrics from Europe into Mexico for decades. They also employed a very talented seamstress who worked with me on my first designs for my brand, Chava Studio. She works with me to this day.
Mexico has a rich history of artisanal craft that rivals France and Italy. Many generational trades have been preserved. Would Chava exist outside of Mexico? Maybe, but not likely. Partnering so closely with the team here has made this brand possible. I am working with women who put so much of their heart into their work and with my in-laws, who have been generous in every way during my learning curves.
I love this guide because I asked my most in-the-know friends, many of who grew up here, for their best tips. I can attest that this list is very different from the one I see constantly circulating in Substack chats. Some of these places attract tourists, but for the most part, they are genuinely places where the locals go. I think that’s the best way to get to know any city.
My Picks: Olivia Villanti
Founder and Designer, Chava Studio
What was once a high-end vintage mecca was recently converted into a stunning space that artfully blends high and low. Designers like Jil Sander and Simone Rocha are merchandised alongside artisanal apothecary items.
Securing tickets to the Barragan Studio, a rare gem just a stone's throw away from my showroom, is a feat. These coveted tickets, known to vanish within minutes of release, offer a privileged glimpse into the world of legendary architect Luis Barragan. However, nestled between my showroom and the Barragan Studio lies Casa Ortega, the house Barragan constructed and resided in while building his final home. It boasts his first landscaping project; you can explore the first floor and garden at your leisure.
My friend Bridget Tidey was a big help when I was writing this list. And while she may not overtly promote her store, I will. Zii Ropa, her brainchild, offers the perfect linen and cotton pieces for your Mexico City escapade. Each piece is infused with her personal touch, creating a sense of connection with every piece. Think Big Sur meets Mexico.
My friend Sofia makes unisex pants with a design aesthetic reminiscent of Yohji Yamamoto, a Japanese fashion designer known for his avant-garde and oversized silhouettes. They are open by appointment and worth the diversion. Go try on a pair.
Banzo offers super-cool reworked vintage, with the star piece being a skirt constructed from a shirt, a unique and creative take on upcycling.
I asked a handful of well-established local creative friends to share their favorite places as well. Their recommendations comprise an incredible list of spots traditionally gatekept from tourists, and their additions make this map a real treasure.
Alan Gobe
Producer and Stylist, Gobe Studio
One of the city’s best-kept secrets: a cool and quirky fashion institution for emerging labels, led by Carla Valdivia Nakatani, Roberto Sánchez, and Emilia Cuahutle, whose designs you can find hanging in the shop.
Great cafe, better for people-watching. Right in the heart of La Roma, a district in Mexico City's Cuauhtémoc borough, west of the city's historic center.
Interesting furniture and designs for the home in a beautiful space.
Bridget Tidey
Founder, Zii Ropa
This is my favorite little oasis in the city. It`s tucked away in the lush forest in the center of Chapultepec Park
Beautiful contemporary art museum housed in such a stunning building with great collections. They fuse sculpture with functionality.
A favorite lunch spot in the south with amazing traditional food, a lovely gift shop, and huaraches. It also houses the most extensive library of books on Mexican design and architecture you can look through.
Adeline de Monseignat
Sculptor
I visited when I was pregnant with my first child, and I enjoyed entertaining myself with the thought that the house — not a single straight line in sight, only bold curves — mirrored my baby’s first home inside of me. It was truly like being in a womb.
A beautiful little shop opened by my ex-neighbor that is so thoughtfully curated with excellent gift options.
Pamela Ocampo
Brand and Communications Strategist
One of the best bookstores in Mexico City, stocked with privately published art books, magazines and periodicals.
I love the ‘90s, and this space's Trainspotting vibe (a reference to the iconic British film known for its gritty, urban aesthetic) is so good.
The coolest store! Headquarter has a slick curation of unisex streetwear from a broad mix of brands (primarily Japanese).
Alexia Puga Garrido Ramirez
Brand Marketer + Corporal Therapist
Chava Studio is home to Olivia’s made-to-order fashion brand that uses the most luxurious cotton and cotton blends. Inspired by men's tailoring, Chava offers women a balance of feminine, masculine, and sexy.
A true luxury for the senses, an Argentinian olfactive gallery that opened in Mexico City in 2023 showcases more than 92+ perfumes, room sprays, and candles.
One of my best friends' dreams for 10+ years in the making, Issi is a beautiful, moody space in Lomas de Chapultepec that serves comfort food. The menu features a variety of dishes, from hearty soups to indulgent desserts, all designed to provide a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
A project by Perla Valtierra that offers traditional ceramic techniques with a twist. These unique glazes, which she is constantly testing and developing, come in a variety of colors and finishes, adding a distinct touch to her ceramics.
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Thank you for doing the lord's work! I already have Chava Studio and Zii Ropa on the list for my CDMX trip this fall, and now I have so many more to add!
Ok now I need to go shopping with Olivia 🤩