One thing you can always expect in Aspen is change. With each season comes a new array of boutiques and eateries to while away the time. This summer is no exception.
Shopping
Aspen has always been an alpine athlete’s paradise, of course, but it is also a lesser-known haven for those whose interests veer more sartorial. Dior recently reopened its doors on the corner of South Galena and Hopkins Avenue after a long renovation, revealing a much larger space filled with men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, and accessories—all while paying homage to the boutique’s mountainous surroundings with a stone fireplace, custom-made furniture, and timber paneling.
TWP, too, arrives on Hopkins Avenue this season, bringing its chic mix of fine tailoring and accessible luxury to the mountain range. Founder and designer Trish Wescoat Pound redefines the feel of American sophistication with a lineup of pieces that can be seamlessly paired and layered alongside an existing wardrobe. The storefront’s earthy tones and textures—seagrass, rattan, and dark wood—invite visitors to both shop and stay a while.
This summer, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop opens its doors to a permanent boutique in Collins Block. The store will reflect Goop’s highly curated selection of all things fashion and wellness. Expect a range of the buzziest clothing brands— including GP’s own line, G. Label—and an array of jewelry, beauty products, and lifestyle pieces.
With a focus on fabrics first and foremost, Vuori has become a beloved performance-apparel brand for those who love to move as much as they love to lounge in comfort. The California-based company brings its mix of functionality and simple everyday style to town with a store on the Cooper Avenue Mall this summer.
Not since Donna Karan’s reign has a fashion line had more impact on busy women’s closets than Veronica Beard. Started by sisters-in-law Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard, the lifestyle brand’s new Aspen boutique, also on Cooper, will be stocked with its much-loved blazers (and the vast selection of dickies they can be paired with), as well as the line’s seasonal collections, denim, footwear, handbags, accessories, and more.
Dining
Coming on the heels of Aspen’s new Sant Ambroeus restaurant, located on Main Street, is its cozy, next-door lounge, Il Baretto. With stone floors, a serious cocktail program (not to mention bar snacks), and a casual feel, it’s the perfect complement to the white-tablecloth restaurant. A spot in the courtyard promises to be one of the summer’s most coveted seats.
Yuki—the brainchild of legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa—will soon be serving up a fusion of flavors on Galena Street. It’s located below the new, much-anticipated, and super hush-hush members club Am7. The private space will offer a mix of top-notch dining and entertainment, thanks to the combined forces of live music venue Belly Up Aspen and C3 Presents, out of Austin, Texas.
Another option for Eastern cuisine comes to Aspen in the form of an underground mountain izakaya: Hai Si, by chef Yoshi Okai. Located beneath Sway on Hopkins, the eatery takes its name from a combination of the Japanese and Spanish words for “yes.” The unexpected pairing of Japanese delicacies and Spanish influences ensures a truly unique dining experience.
And, the historic Hotel Jerome presents a new concept in its sunny Garden Room, where guests can enjoy breakfast, an afternoon cocktail, or simply a place to soak in the mountain light. A mix of plaids, florals, antique mirrors, and high-backed vintage lounge chairs create a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere that may make it hard to leave.
As is always the case in Aspen, choosing where to go and where to dine may be summer’s most difficult decision. The good news is that the options are as plentiful as they are excellent, giving you few ways to go wrong.
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