Oscar de la Renta: The Fashionable Face of Mexico City

El Ciudad de México is getting a stylish upgrade. The Mexican National Board of Tourism has named Oscar de la Renta as their newest Tourism Ambassador to represent the burgeoning fashion and lifestyle scene.  Though the designer hails from the Dominican Republic, he certainly speaks the language. And with this appointment a surge of jet setters are sure to flock.

The region has become home to many haute hot spots in addition to the country’s rich historical sites. Condesa, which is a neighborhood that was one part Countess Miravelle’s estate, is known as the SoHo of Mexico City. It’s packed with boutiques carrying everything from jewelry and vintage clothes to designer shoes and housewares, which fit in perfectly amongst the Post-Revolution Art Deco and Modernist architecture. Standout stores include Pride, which provides fine jewelry for gay couples while another, Pladi, sells unusual jewelry and sculpture created by local designers.

Roma adds a sense of modernity to the ancient ambiance. There’s a pleasant mix of kitschy and avant-garde retailers in this neighborhood. Dime is both a galleria and gift shop that contains the creations of over 50 Mexican designers including colorful bags made from plastic tablecloths and graphic t-shirts. For the more upscale, NaCo Miscelanea is an athletic wear boutique co-owned by actor Diego Luna. French designer Emmanuel Picaults own two boutiques in the neighborhood with La Valise, which carries art and home furnishings, and Chic by Accident, which provides luxurious cutlery, glassware and dining furniture as well as antiques.

The ultimate shopping experience is to be had in Polanco. Antara Polanco is one of many outdoor malls throughout the city that includes upscale shops from designers like Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs. If an elegant leather handbag is on your shopping list look o further than Piel Canela; Sergio Bustamente offers jewelry, accessories and sculptures derived from bronze, copper and papier-mache. Now that’s something to write home about!

Move over Milan, Mexico City is on the fast track to becoming the next major fashion capital.

A street between the sister neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma

The Antara Polanco outdoor mall.