The era of the “tourist” is officially over; 2026 is the year of the cultural connoisseur. As we lean into “maximalist minimalism” and “archival storytelling”, your travel itinerary should be as well-curated as your wardrobe.
If you’re looking to align your passport stamps with the pulse of global style, here are the most fashion-forward destinations to pin on your map this year.
1. Antwerp, Belgium: The Intellectual’s Runway
2026 marks a seismic anniversary for the “Antwerp Six”—the group of radical designers who put this Belgian city on the map 40 years ago. While Paris is for the dreamers, Antwerp is for the deconstructionists.
The MoMu (ModeMuseum) is hosting a career-defining retrospective on the Antwerp Six (Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, etc.). The vibe is intellectual, moody, and avant-garde. Think oversized tailoring and asymmetric silhouettes.
A must-visit here is the Nationalestraat for high-end flagship stores and hidden vintage archives where you might stumble upon a 90s Margiela piece.
2. Lagos, Nigeria: The New Frontier of Texture
Lagos isn’t just a destination; it’s an energy. This year, the global fashion eye is fixed on the “Lagos look”—a brilliant mix of traditional textiles and futuristic tailoring.
You may be wondering, why now? Lagos Fashion Week has become a global powerhouse for sustainable luxury. Look for “Woven Threads”, an exhibit showcasing the evolution of raffia and hand-loomed Aso Oke. The vibe is high-octane colour, bold jewellery (cowries and oversized beads), and architectural denim. Head to Victoria Island for concept stores like Alara, which is essentially the Colette of West Africa.
3. Tokyo, Japan: The Streetwear Sanctuary
While Ginza remains the temple of luxury, 2026 sees a return to the chaotic creativity of Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. Streetwear is shifting from “logomania” to “hyper-functionalism”.
The Design Museum is celebrating Nigo (the mind behind A Bathing Ape and Kenzo) with a retrospective that traces his influence from Tokyo streets to the Paris runway. The vibe is “Gorpcore” meets high fashion. Think technical waterproof fabrics, multi-pocket vests, and the world’s most pristine sneakers.
Pro Tip: In Tokyo, “style” is a politeness. Dressing well is seen as a sign of respect for your surroundings.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark: The Sustainable Standard
Copenhagen has officially dethroned London as the “cool kid” of the European fashion circuit. Their 2026 mantra? “Ready-to-Rainwear”. The city is the epicentre of the Global Fashion Summit (May 2026), focusing on the future of circular fashion.
The vibe is Scandi-minimalism with a twist. Think pastel puffer jackets, wide-leg trousers, and “neckcessories” (decorative scarves and tech pouches).
Rent a bike (the ultimate fashion accessory here) and head to Vesterbro for independent boutiques that prioritise ethics over aesthetics.
The “Unmissable” Exhibit Checklist
If you find yourself in these cities, these are the “holy grail” stops for 2026:
- New York City: Costume Art at The Met (opening May 10, 2026). The first show in the massive new Condé Nast Galleries.
- London: Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A. Surrealism is having a major moment.
- Paris: Alaïa and Dior: Two Masters of Couture at the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa.
Whether you’re hunting for Belgian deconstruction or Nigerian textiles, remember: the best accessory you can carry is context. Knowing the history of the streets you’re walking is what separates a traveller from a tourist.
Fashion Insider” itinerary for Tokyo and Antwerp
Tokyo and Antwerp are both celebrating major fashion milestones in 2026, making them the ultimate destinations for a “Fashion Insider” pilgrimage. In Antwerp, 2026 is officially the “Fashion Year”, marking the 40th anniversary of the Antwerp Six with a city-wide celebration. Meanwhile, Tokyo continues to be the epicentre of streetwear innovation, particularly with the global retrospective of Nigo’s work highlighting the city’s influence.
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Tokyo: The Streetwear & Avant-Garde Hub
Tokyo’s fashion scene is a blend of high-concept luxury and niche subcultures. For 2026, the focus is on the evolution of “Ura-Harajuku” (backstreet Harajuku) and the sophisticated curation of Ginza.
Day 1: Harajuku & Aoyama (Streetwear Heritage) Start where the global streetwear movement began. This area is essential for understanding the legacy of Nigo and the “Nowhere” era.
- This is Nigo’s current creative playground. The store often features limited-edition drops and collaborations that reflect his obsession with vintage Americana and playful graphics.
- It is a high-octane concept store inside Laforet Harajuku. It is widely considered one of the most influential boutiques in the world, carrying a mix of underground labels and established luxury brands like Rick Owens.
- It offers a perfect mid-day break. This spot is a favourite for the fashion crowd, blending Japanese aesthetics with Parisian chic.
Day 2: Ginza & Daikanyama (Luxury & Literature) Move from the chaotic energy of Harajuku to the refined, architectural beauty of Ginza and the creative atmosphere of Daikanyama.
- It is the Rei Kawakubo-designed multi-brand store that is a mandatory stop. Each floor is curated like an art installation, featuring everything from Comme des Garçons to emerging global designers.
- It is where Tokyo’s creative elite go for inspiration. The “Tsutaya Books” here has an incredible selection of vintage fashion magazines and rare photography books.
Day 3: Shimokitazawa & Kichijoji (The Vintage Scene) To see where Tokyo’s trendsetters source their unique pieces, head to the vintage capitals.
- Housed in a converted bathhouse, it is a staple of the vintage scene. It’s known for its democratic “exchange” system and curated selection of 90s and early 2000s pieces.
- Kichijoji is a world-renowned destination for deadstock outdoor gear and vintage 90s sportswear. It has a cult following among streetwear enthusiasts globally.
Antwerp: The 40th Anniversary of the Antwerp Six
2026 is a historic year for Antwerp as it celebrates the group that put Belgian fashion on the map. The city’s itinerary revolves around the “Fashion Year” festivities and the enduring legacy of Dries Van Noten.
Day 1: The Heart of Belgian Fashion Begin in the Nationalestraat, the artery of Antwerp’s fashion district, where the MoMu serves as the cultural anchor.
- Hosting a landmark exhibition in 2026 dedicated to the Antwerp Six. This is the definitive place to see original archives and understand the radical impact these designers had on the industry.
- The flagship store, “Het Modepaleis”, is located in a historic corner building. Even if you aren’t shopping, the store’s interior and theatrical window displays are a testament to the designer’s poetic vision.
Day 2: Art, Design, and Concept Spaces Antwerp’s fashion is deeply tied to its fine arts and interior design scenes, which you can explore in the “Zuid” (South) district.
- To collaborate with young fashion designers throughout 2026 for a special series of interventions. The museum itself is an architectural marvel following its recent renovation.
- It’s a sprawling concept store in a former printing house. It carries niche fashion labels, rare design objects, and hosts a cafe that serves as a meeting point for local creatives.
Day 3: The Fashion Insider’s Lifestyle Experience the city like a local designer by visiting the spots where the fashion community gathers.
- It is a top recommendation for its stylish, intimate atmosphere and focus on seasonal ingredients. It’s the kind of place you’ll find industry insiders unwinding after a day at the museum or studio.
- The Antwerp Fashion Walk: 2026 features a guided “Fashion Route” through the city, which you can join to see the former studios of the Antwerp Six and the current Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where new talents are still being forged.
