Accessory shopping in Asia
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Phu Quoc Pearls
On an isolated stretch of Long Beach, Phu Quoc Pearls is a requisite stop if you’re in the market for pearls. A small shop sells pearl necklaces and earrings, and wall panels describe (in English) how the oysters yield their bounty. There’s a small cafe on site. Avid pearl hunters can find cheaper wares at kiosks in the village of Ham Ninh, but at least you have a guarantee of authenticity here.
reviewed
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Song
A central boutique that specialises in sophisticated linens and cottons for men and women.
reviewed
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Nippori Nuno No Machi (Nippori Fabric Town)
If you’ve got a notion to sew, decorate or you like clothing on the cheap, this several-block stretch east of Nippori Station will hit you like a proverbial bolt. Dozens of shops purvey buttons to brocade, bathrobes and blankets, used kimono and contemporary wear. Many of the wares are off-price or remnants. If you’re seeking something particular, shop around before leaving home; some of the fabrics are generic and you might find better deals where you come from.
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Erizen
Roughly opposite Takashimaya Department Store, Erizen is one of the best places in Kyoto to buy a kimono or kimono fabric. It has a great selection of kyō-yūzen (Kyoto dyed fabrics) and other kimono fabrics. Prices are not cheap but the service is of a high level. Staff can measure you for a kimono and post it to your home later.
reviewed
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Hongqiao International Pearl City
Popular with the local expats, the 2nd floor of this market has a smaller selection of freshwater and saltwater pearls than Amy Lin’s Pearls, but is worth a browse. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and you can bargain here. On the 1st floor there are clothes and golf gear, on the 3rd floor carpets and luggage.
reviewed
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Beautiful Store
One of a pioneering and expanding chain of secondhand shops that raise money for charities in Korea and abroad. Beautiful Store has introduced the joys of op-shopping to Seoul with CDs, shoes and clothes that all sell for W3000. Find it halfway up the stairs of subway Exit 4. Another branch is near Bongeunsa.
reviewed
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Muji
Mujirushi Ryōhin – literally, 'no-name brand' – has taken the world by storm with its signature line of simple lifestyle goods. At the flagship store, things are taken to the next level – customers can tour a full-sized 'MUJI House' fully constructed within the shop. It's on the 1st level to the left of the escalator, and yes, this do-it-yourself abode is for sale (available in in three different sizes). If you happen to have an empty plot of land at home, why not take home the ultimate souvenir – a Japanese house!
reviewed
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Ankur Kala
This cooperative training-centre empowers women from the slums. The small shop sells batik, stitch-work, attractive greetings cards and leather-ware. From Park Street walk two blocks east from AJC Bose Rd, turn south passing Tiger Inn and crossing Shakespeare Sarani then look for a big ‘3’ on the alley-gate.
reviewed
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Amy Lin’s Pearls
The most reliable retailer of pearls of all colours and sizes. Both freshwater pearls (from Y80), including prized black Zhèjiāng pearls (from Y3000), and saltwater pearls (from Y200) are available here. The staff speak English and will string your selection for you. They do jade and jewellery too.
reviewed
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Wangjia Docks Fabric Market
Those in the market for a luxurious silk quilt (comforter; 蚕丝被 ) should make the trek south to this fascinating neighbourhood, awash in tailors and fabric dealers. Quilts are sold by weight and size – figure on about Y650 for a queen-sized quilt weighing 2kg.
reviewed
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Ocean Optical
Both frames and lenses can be cheaper (in some case, much cheaper) in Hong Kong than what you would pay at home, and we do not know of a better optician in Hong Kong than Ocean Optical. There’s another branch in Central (Shop 326, 3rd floor, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 3-9 Canton Rd).
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Ocean Optical
Both frames and lenses can be cheaper (in some case, much cheaper) in Hong Kong than what you would pay at home, and we do not know of a better optician in Hong Kong than Ocean Optical. There’s a branch in (2735 0611; Shop 326, 3rd fl, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 3-9 Canton Rd).
reviewed
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South Bund Fabric Market
This old building with over 100 hundred stalls is similar to the Shiliupu Fabric Market, with an atmospheric location not far from the markets and tailoring shops along Dongjiadu Rd. It’s further out of the way, but more popular with expats.
reviewed
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Chinese Printed Blue Nankeen Exhibition Hall
The spectacle here of bolts of indigo cloth drying in the summer sun is gorgeous. Surly staff aside, focus on the delightful blue-and-white cotton fabric, shoes, slippers, blouses, qipao (cheongsam) and small cloth bags. Follow the signs down the alley.
reviewed
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Papaya
Papaya, run by an artist and fashion designer, has survived in the fickle fashion industry for over 12 years, with a classical and sophisticated but still up-to-date sense of style. The shop crams an entire museum of artefacts into a tiny space.
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Annabel Lee
This elegant shop sells a range of soft-coloured accessories in silk, linen and cashmere, many of which feature delicate and stylish embroidery. Peruse the collection of shawls (Y2800), scarves (Y580), table runners and evening bags (Y160).
reviewed
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Condomania
Inside this tiny shop you'll find more condoms than you can poke a…stick at. For your love-hotel expeditions or footloose friends back home, Condomania's colourful shrine to planned parenthood offers up everything from enigmatic prophylactics like the 'Masturbator's Condom' to the more conservative glow-in-the-dark variety. Rubbers are available for all sizes…
reviewed
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Carpet Centre
No, you're not being asked to don a dhurry...this place has pashmina shawls, ranging in price from around HK$350 to around HK$900, and exotic slippers fit for a sultana. Enter the store from Cochrane St.
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Golden Eelskin
A good place to purchase eel-skin handbags, belts, wallets and purses. Eel-skin goods are an Itaewon speciality that make popular gifts. Owner Mr Kim is quietly persuasive but never hassles anyone.
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Supreme Optical
Eye tests are free, and good-quality spectacles (lenses and frames) cost around W65,000, depending on the frames. The lenses are made on the spot and the spectacles are ready in just 15 minutes.
reviewed
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Star Market
The sassy style and low prices lure customers inside this new youth-oriented fashion store and café that employs Russian staff who look like they moonlight in hostess bars.
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Bossini
You'll find plenty of inexpensive, wearable, everyday threads here, in the same kind of cuts and styles as Gap or i.t. A good store for stocking up on T-shirts and other basics.
reviewed
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Leather Industrial Arts
Handcrafted leather goods are made at this small shop with an impressive selection of bags, belts and wallets. It's around the corner from the Busan Modern History Museum.
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Tsujikura
A short walk north of the Shijō-Kawaramachi crossing, Tsujikura has a good selection of waxed-paper umbrellas and paper lanterns with traditional and modern designs.
reviewed
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Lids
This is the place to come for headgear - from baseball caps begging to be turned back to front, to helmets for cyclists, rollerbladers and skateboarders.
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