Daslu, excess in excess
If you like designer clothes, sipping champagne, or simply seeing how the well-heeled spend an afternoon, take a trip to Daslu, Sao Paulo's super-posh shopping mall. Unless you have brought your car or helicopter with you, make sure that you take a taxi, as the only way to access the store is by driving or flying in. Once inside you will find four floors filled with designer clothes, shoes, toys, housewares, and much more.
The first floor is where the creme of the crop are housed. Wander through designer boutiques for labels including Calvin Klein, Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, and the list goes on. The first floor is also home to the champagne bar which serves light fare in addition to bubbly. The second floor is women's clothing, and is also women-only due to the fact that there are no changing rooms. Instead, as you wander through the rooms, most of which contain Daslu's own private label collection, you will see women everywhere in various states of undress, trying on the clothes. So, if you're thinking of trying clothes on during your visit, make sure you wear nice underwear. The third floor is men's wear and women are allowed on the floor. And, lastly, the top floor is children's clothes and toys, housewares, and other miscellaneous goods.
My own relationship with Dasul has been love-hate. The first time I went I swore I would never go back. But, then I was told that they served a not-to-be-missed afternoon tea and so I braved the store once again. This time, I was won over by the cozy second floor tea room with it's all-you-can-eat medly of teas, coffees, juices, fruits, tartlets, muffins, omelets, quiches, waffles, and much more. For $R38 you can stuff yourself to your heart's content, just make sure you order from the menu (in addition to sampling from the buffet) as that is where they list all the good stuff (and it is all included in the price). After a long afternoon of navigating the store, nothing tastes better that sugary sweets and hot tea.
Daslu- Avenida Chedid Jafet, 131, Vila Olimpia
Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm; Tues 10am-10pm
www.daslu.com.br
