Tina Turner was known worldwide for her electrifying performances, iconic voice, and unmatched stage presence. But behind the glamorous image of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll lay a personal pleasure that few fans expected: shopping.
Though often perceived as powerful, fierce, and focused entirely on her career, Tina had a deeply human side—one that loved exploring store aisles, finding unique pieces, and treating herself to simple indulgences. And this love of shopping wasn’t a shallow habit—it became a meaningful ritual in her life, especially in her later years.
After moving to Switzerland and settling into a peaceful life away from the spotlight, Tina found solace in the calm rhythm of everyday experiences. One of her favorite ways to enjoy her privacy was going on unhurried shopping trips through Zurich’s luxury districts, or quietly browsing in smaller boutiques where she could blend in without the pressures of fame. Her style was effortless but elegant, always distinctively Tina—earth tones, bold jewelry, and flowing silhouettes.
Close friends often described her shopping routine as “a form of therapy.” It wasn’t about hoarding or showing off wealth, but about savoring the feeling of freedom. Tina would take her time examining fabrics, trying on hats, chatting with shopkeepers, and even picking out gifts for her staff and loved ones. She loved discovering artisanal items—handmade scarves, custom leather handbags, candles, rare teas, and home accents that reflected her love of comfort and beauty.
Interestingly, Tina wasn’t fixated on designer labels, although she could certainly afford them. Her favorite shops weren’t always the high-end names; she was drawn more to uniqueness than price tags. Once, she spent nearly two hours in a small antique shop discussing Japanese porcelain with the owner, while the store had no idea they were speaking with a global icon.
Shopping also allowed Tina to express her creative instincts beyond music. She designed many aspects of her home décor herself and saw every purchase as a reflection of her evolving identity—especially after overcoming years of trauma and reclaiming her independence.
She often said that the act of choosing something for herself—after years of being told what to wear, how to act, and what to sing—was a quiet form of liberation. Her home in Küsnacht, overlooking Lake Zurich, became a testament to her personal taste: full of warm colors, cozy textures, spiritual accents, and yes—plenty of hand-selected finds from her cherished shopping sprees.
In interviews, she sometimes joked, “Shopping is like writing a song… you never know when you’ll find the right note.” There was always a twinkle in her eye when she said it.
In her final years, when her health began to decline, Tina still kept her passion for beautiful things alive. Though she shopped less often in person, she continued to have items brought to her or purchased online. Staff would recall how her eyes lit up when a new silk throw or a pair of hand-painted dishes arrived.
Far from being materialistic, Tina Turner’s love of shopping was an extension of her artistic soul. It gave her peace, autonomy, and joy. After a life marked by turbulence and triumph, shopping became not an escape, but a celebration—a quiet, personal encore she performed for herself, on her own terms.