Fashion shopping in Asia
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Baru
OK, imagine that (fashion) disaster has struck. More specifically, that the ‘bozos’ at the airlines have misplaced your bags. Which means that you have arrived on Phuket with only the clothes on your back – ie sweaty leather shoes, a ‘comfortable’ (read: unsexy) ankle-length skirt and a long-sleeve knit sweater (relax, we know, you were dressed for the plane). But now the sun is shining, the beach boys are beckoning and you need a shot of beach sexy (think skimpy bikinis, beach wraps and candy-coloured flip-flops), and fast. Welcome to your Eden.
reviewed
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B
A Bathing Ape
This A Bathing Ape Exclusive (Bape) outlet of the uberhip urban and hip-hop outfitter line is more like a museum than a shop, with fab sneakers on a rotating steel conveyor belt, mirrored surfaces and lots of sparkle. You can pick up Bape plastic models and some of the coolest bags in town.
reviewed
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C
Comme des Garçons
The architectural eccentricity of Kawakubo Rei’s flagship store should come as no surprise – her radical designs have been refiguring the fashion landscape for more than 20 years. Both men’s and women’s fashions are on display. Most available sizes are quite small, but a quick circuit of the shop is interesting in itself.
reviewed
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D
UT Store Harajuku
This spin-off of Uniqlo may be a triumph of marketing over substance, but who cares? Scrolling red LEDs announce the specials both outside and in. Designer T-shirts are sold in clear canisters that look like something tennis balls might come in, alongside hoodies, casual sweaters and other colourful goodies.
reviewed
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Rodeo Street
Rodeo Street has piercing shops, ‘now’ items, the latest local eco-chic natural look and enough brand-name stores to make a walk along it worthwhile. But don’t expect too much – Apgujeong’s fashion shops are spread over a wide area, and there are lots of ordinary, everyday stores in between.
reviewed
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E
Cool Docks
A recent development project often billed as Xintiandi 2, the Cool Docks, east of the Old Town, consist of several shikumen (stone-gate houses) surrounded by red-brick warehouses near the waterfront. Most of the shops and restaurants had still failed to take off as ‘in’ destinations as we went to press.
reviewed
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F
Issey Miyake
Before Issey Miyake put Tokyo on the fashion map, Japanese designers were known to copy Western trends after they’d already hit the runway. Miyake’s work has changed such conceptions. Check out the A-POC garments – each made from a single piece of fabric – and the signature Pleats collection.
reviewed
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Gallery Kawano
If, after all this, you’d still like to buy a kimono, speciality shops for used/antique kimono include Gallery Kawano, Hayashi Kimono, or Ooedo Kazuko, beneath Lawson convenience store. Those with patience can also try flea markets
reviewed
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Shibuya 109
Tokyo’s fad-obsessed fashionistas come to the cylindrical tower of 109 (pronounced ichi-maru-kyū ) for the season’s freshest looks. Most of the clientele is girls under 20; the punk fabrics and wild designs reflect this –it’s what kids are wearing on the street.
reviewed
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Okura
Japanese indigo is perhaps tops in the world, and this atmospheric shop of salvaged hardwood is a great place to find indigo-dyed organic T-shirts, shirts and jeans (many rather pricey). Note: there’s no sign out the front, but look for the traditional building facing the perpendicular street.
reviewed
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Koromon
In the back of a shopping building, this little store both blends and tweaks Japanese and Western sensibilities. Look for jeans masterfully painted with designs that you might be more used to seeing on kimono or scroll paintings, and kimono fabric used in ways you might never have dreamed.
reviewed
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Yohji Yamamoto
Wander down Omote-Sandō to check out Yohji Yamamoto’s bold, timeless designs. Though there’s no sign on it, his flagship store is recognisable by its distinctive bronze facade, which you’ll want to get past for a look at the experimental interior.
reviewed
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L
Island Paradise
Set in the same old relic as Siam Indigo, this lovely and expansive hippie-chic boutique, featuring nothing but up-and-coming Thai designers, has stylishly flowing dresses, silk skirts and blouses, and exceptional jewellery. This shop is a must.
reviewed
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M
Urban Tribe
This eco-conscious Shanghai label draws inspiration from the ethnic groups of Southeast Asia. Urban Tribe’s collection of loose-fitting blouses, pants and jackets are made of natural fabrics; it also designs attractive silver jewellery.
reviewed
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Iroha-Dō
If you’re on a mission to find the youth-oriented, the kawaii and the oshare (fashionable) in Shimo-Kita, this is a great place to start. Update your look with just the right hat, eyeglasses, belt or bag.
reviewed
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Migliore Mall
Always teeming with young trendsetters, this iconic, high-rise Myeong-dong mall is packed with small fashion shops. There’s a food court on the 7th floor and an outdoor performance stage by the entrance to boot.
reviewed
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Heping Finery
South Maoming Rd and Changle Rd are thick with small tailors where you can get sleeved in a qipao (cheongsam); this shop offers good value. Tailor-made qipao start at Y880, taking three days to make.
reviewed
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Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang flies the flag for the Middle Kingdom in the world of high-end fashion. The designs are classic Chinese with a twist, incorporating fluorescent colours, traditional motifs and luxury fabrics.
reviewed
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Kee Plaza
A mod open-air mall opposite La Flora resort that features some of Bangkok’s best up-and-coming labels, including Century 22, in one fashionable row. Venture deeper inside to find the best boutiques.
reviewed
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Nui Cowboy
Feeling your inner cowboy? Your inner biker, perhaps? Then ride your stallion (steel or otherwise) over to this leather workshop to get your jacket, overcoat, belt, bag or, um, pants custom-made.
reviewed
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Shirt Flag
Fun, quality T-shirts, including its totemic angry panda series, which gives an ironic twist to Maoist propaganda. There are also branches in the Taikang Road Art Centre and M50.
reviewed
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Rishoes
This branded shop is the brainchild of a French designer. Inside are boots, hip and splashy handbags, and belts encrusted with semiprecious stones, rivets, beads and shells.
reviewed
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Annabel Lee
On the Bund, Annabel Lee sells a lovely range of playfully designed, soft-coloured accessories in silk, linen and cashmere, many of which feature delicate embroidery. There's another branch in Xīntiāndì.
reviewed
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Jasmine
Located in FCC Angkor, this designer emporium specialises in elegant evening wear and sartorial silk. The accent is hip if a little haughty and the designs suit all ages.
reviewed
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Cháco
A flash boutique that looks like it was shipped straight from Rodeo Drive. The designs here range from trendy to classic and it produces custom suits, shirts and dresses.
reviewed
