HanoiShopping

Designer shopping in Hanoi

  1. A

    Cocoon

    The contemporary designs in this smart and charming little shop are quite striking. Silk garments for women are the mainstay, and these typically update traditional Vietnamese motifs. Many of the pant-and-shirt ensembles feature jazzed-up patterns and florid colours and convey the fluid beauty of the ao dai (Vietnamese national dress) without the formality. Original jewellery is also sold here for very little money.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Song

    Valerie Gregori McKenzie's original designs have garnered her a strong following, and many traveling clothes hounds deliberately seek out her shop. McKenzie's company uses traditional Asian textile techniques, and avoids sweatshop environs by contracting with independent Vietnamese women, who do much of the actual stitchwork. The clothing is casual, comfortable and stylish, generally using subtle, earthy colour schemes.

    reviewed