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SET IN STONE
Visit Artisans d’Angkor in Siem Reap and watch students as they learn traditional stone carving techniques. You can buy high-quality reproductions in the knowledge that your purchase will go towards training the next generation of craft speople. RS Old Market Area, tel +855 (0)63 964-523, www.artisansdangkor.net
LUXURY LIFESTYLE
The latest in lifestyle shopping on Koh Samui, 2 Zero is the creation of an in-house fashion and interior design team. The boutique gives a contemporary twist to traditional Asian and European designs with its off erings of quality gift s, clothing accessories and home furnishings that are unique to the island. GM 20 Soi Colibri, 46/20 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach Road, tel +66 (0)9 650-1030
STREET STYLE
The conveniently located Lotus Pond in Phnom Penh is best known for its creative use of silk but is also worth a visit for its gold and silver jewellery, objets d’art and handicraft s you won’t find anywhere else. Several similar boutiques of interest to visitors have sprung up around Lotus Pond, making Street 178 an increasingly popular destination for shoppers. GB 57 Eo, Street 178, tel +855 (0)23 426782
BOOK IT
Rather than buying expensive editions of the many beautiful books on Angkor at home, leave space in your bags to carry them back from Siem Reap. The Visitors’ Centre at Preah Khan Temple in the Archaeological Park stocks a wide range of titles at a fraction of the usual cost. MJ
ANYA IN ASIA
British accessories designer Anya Hindmarch reveals her passion for shopping and travel
Where do you find your inspiration?
I have always had a passion for fashion accessories, especially handbags of every kind. When I was a child, I used to make little handbags, pockets and purses out of paper.
What items do you never travel without, and have you any tips for avoiding jetlag?
I never travel abroad without my travel wallet – I love all the little pockets it comes with to keep my documents, tickets and passport in. I also always take a big cashmere blanket for the plane and some sleep enhancer spray by Aroma Therapeutics to help me sleep, and I try to travel during the day if possible.
Do you travel to Asia a lot? Which are your favourite destinations?
I have travelled to Japan, Hong Kong, Malyasia, Taiwan and Singapore many times. Sadly, I haven’t yet been to Thailand but am looking forward to doing so very soon! I love good hotels and have enjoyed staying at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo and the Datai in Langkawi.
Do you like Asian food, and have you had many memorable meals?
I love Asian cusine and always eat incredibly well when I visit the Far East. However, I do have to go easy on the rice as it does not fit in well with my no-carbs diet! One particularly memorable meal was a celebratory one with my Hong Kong partner at a local restaurant. I am also dying to go to the Mo Bar in the new Landmark Mandarin Oriental.
Where would you recommend shoppers to visit for great buys in Hong Kong and Singapore?
When I was looking for locations for my shops, I only wanted the best and thought that the Paragon in Singapore and the Landmark in Hong Kong were fantastic. Both are wonderful in terms of their location and the fact that you can shop to your heart’s content!
What is your favourite item from all your collections?
It would be my Bespoke Ebury, as this was a gift from my husband – the quote inside always makes me smile. From next season’s collection, I adore the Neeson bag. It’s made out of woven leather, huge and wonderfully squashy. I would love to have one in white.
What do you particularly like about Hong Kong and Singapore, where you have opened boutiques?
I enjoy the buzz in both these cities and the variety of great restaurants. I have a real a[fb03] liation with Hong Kong as this is where I opened my first Asian store. What interesting souvenirs have you picked up from your travels to Asia?
I found some really fascinating old English medicine bottles in a beautiful junk shop in Mougins, France, which are now in my bathroom at home. In South-East Asia, I always pick up cute little phone gadgets for my children and friends.
So what’s in store for the future?
We are developing our beach line, which is really exciting, as well as off ering our customers more bespoke gift s. We also have plans to open more stores, but I’m afraid that’s all top secret for now!
Check out Anya’s latest collection of accessories and the location of her various stores at www..anyahindmarch.com
BEACH BABE
Phuket Mermaids is located at Phuket’s hip new seafront Andaman Plaza in Patong and off ers stunning, high-quality ladies’ swimwear, lingerie, beachwear and leisurewear by Nuria, a Spanish designer based in Thailand. All designs are available in European sizes. KH Andaman Plaza, Patong Beach Road, www.phuketmermaids.com
INTO THE BLUE
For the definitive collection of Laos handicraft s, The Blue House is a must. The building was renovated in 2002 by German development money and is now home to the Lao Handicraft s Group, a subdivision of the Lao Department of Culture. Artists from all over Luang Prabang province have been invited to display their designs; this includes silverwork, basketry and, of course, silk and cotton textiles. JH Sakkaline Road, tel +856 (0)71 252383
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