When it comes to merch, the border city may be best known for its oversized sombreros and ceramic Looney Toon armies. But if you know where to look, a wide supply of locally crafted fashion, art, and furniture awaits as well. Here are five shops worth visiting.
Doratto, Bona Bona, and Hormiguero—all on Avenida Revolucion between Sixth and Seventh streets—are on par with North Park’s brand of tatted, pierced bohemia. Featuring screen-printed shirts by popular local brands like Mexican Fashion and Circus, and hand-stitched purses and wallets by Libre Vuela, these stores are bound to have a one-of-a-kind something for most trend-devouring teenagers.
Object—at Avenida Revolucion and Calle Coahuila—is a one-stop shop for anyone in the know. Owner Veronica Hernandez stocks the work of emerging local artists as well as handcrafted furniture and home goods by buzzed-about brands like La Metropolitana, Be Love Projects, Lagos del Mundo, and Gala is Love.
Casa Icatu in La Cacho, the “North Park of Tijuana,” is where to head for handwoven central and southern Mexican staples like guayaberas, tunics, stuffed wool toys, and other textiles for him, her, and the home
Cuerpo Uno, by the artist Elsoldelrac, is one example of the local art for sale at Tijuana’s Object boutique.