York is famed for being one of the north’s designer shopping destinations. Some of the world’s leading fashion designers have either direct retail outlets in York or a significant presence in York’s many boutique designer stores.

Designer shopping in York

Most recently Stonegate was nominated as Britain’s Best Fashion Street in search engine Google’s Street View Awards.

Scott Henshall, a fashion designer, nominated Stonegate as Best Fashion Street, saying, “Whistles, Jigsaw, Jack Wills and The Pyramid Store and all in an historic setting with York Minster at the end of the street so you can go and pay penance for all your shopping splurges.”

Jo Elvin, editor of Glamour magazine, added, “York is so beautiful, and this is one of the best quaint old streets to shop on with its gorgeous Tudor buildings and cobblestones.”

To be honest, they’re both talking tosh. If you want designer clothes in York, head round the corner to Low Petergate. If the Paul Smith shop doesn’t float your boat try Sarah Coggles, Moda In Pelle (great for shoes), Noa Noa or L K Bennett.

Menswear is also well represented by Robert Smart.

Or, at the other end of Stonegate, head to Blake Street to find Vivienne Westwood and Van Mildert (there’s also a Toni & Guy hair salon).

Special mention should also be made of Amanda’s on Micklegate, a shop well-known locally for selling the best labels.

York designer outlet

There’s also the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, situated at the crossroads of the A64 and the A19 just south of Fulford.

It’s a bus ride away from the city centre but you’ll find cut-price stock from Hugo Boss, Hackett, Armani, Paul Smith, Burberry, Thomas Pink and Polo Ralph Lauren, among much else.