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classic VAN HIER TOT TOKIO Entering Van hier tot Tokio (‘From here to Tokyo’) is like visiting a museum of Japanese antiques – only everything is for sale. Founded almost 25 years ago, Van hier tot Tokio carries exclusive items imported directly from Japan: think beautiful folding screens, altar cabinets, kimonos, lacquer bowls and musical instruments.
for sneaker freaks
& Rozengracht 184 Prinsengracht 262 www.vanhiertottokio.com
OQIUM Located near Dam square, new sneaker store Oqium offers special-edition Nikes and sportswear. The shop specialises in high-top basketball shoes, but stocks performance trainers and ‘lifestyle’ sneakers as well. The limited editions – from retro-style Air Force 1s through Patrick Ewings to Air Jordans and the futuristic looking LeBron 11s, which combine all the latest Nike technologies in one shoe – sell out predictably quickly. The shop’s name is a sneaky reference to the high you get from exclusive sneaker shopping (the ‘q’ is in fact a mirrored ‘p’). Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 262 www.oqium.nl
cheeky THE HOUSE OF PLEASUREMENTS Not your everyday lingerie shop, this lavishly decorated boutique specialises in things to get you ‘in the mood’. Besides beautiful lace underwear and cutesy baby doll negligees, they offer naughty boudoir accessories such as belts, whips and masks. Brands include Stella McCartney, What Katy Did and Von Follies by Dita Von Teese – and they also stock some tantalising toys as well.
Herenstraat 29 www.pleasurements.com