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SHOPPING NEWS FROM BANGKOK’S AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS
LUXURY LOVERS
The revamped Landmark, Hong Kong’s first luxury mall, is a must for lovers of big-name brands. It boasts a branch of the famous British store Harvey Nichols (which is owned by a Hong Kong tycoon, incidentally).
You’ll also find all the big fashion names such as Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton in the adjoining Alexander House and Princes Building, all linked by walkway. MG 12-16 Des Voeux Road, Central, tel +852 2500-0555
STREET STYLE
Located along Phnom Penh’s trendiest shopping street, Le Lezard Bleu sells high-quality handicrafts, objets d’art and unique Cambodian souvenirs.
Shipping of larger pieces can be arranged, but there are plenty of other spectacular items that can be carried home as hand luggage. GB 61 Street 240, tel +855 (0)12 804260
HANDICRAFT BONANZA
Xi’an is well known for its lovely local handicrafts – all are light, portable and unique examples of rural crafts in Shaanxi.
Look for peasant paintings and wood cuts displaying colourful commune scenes from the 1970s; traditional red paper-cuts of good luck symbols used to decorate windows at Chinese New Year; as well as rice-paste painted animals (rather similar to papier maché) made by village folk.
All these are sold in the narrow market lane of Hua Jue Xiang, near the Great Mosque with stalls open from 10am until late. Mr Yang at no. 2 for old cameras, ceramics and bric-a-brac; Professor Ding at no.18 for woodcuts and prints; and Mr Hai at no.15 are all reliable stall-holders who speak some English. CS
NIT NOI NOW
Browse a wide range of gifts at Nit Noi on Koh Samui, all locally produced in Thailand by skilled craftsmen, as well as a selection of funky ladies’ fashions in European sizes. Open daily and located directly opposite the entrance to Central Resort in South Chaweng. GM Tel +66 (0)5 1874-7208
CHOCOLATE HEAVEN
Great news for chocolate-lovers on Phuket! Not only have recent studies shown that cocoa (from which chocolate is made) is a great source of flavanol antioxidants among plant foods, but divine, handmade treats are now available on the island at the Belgian chocolate store, Duc de Praslin Belgium. KH Fisherman Way Business Centre, 19/47 Moo 8 Chaofa Road, tel +66 (0)76 282398, www.gallothai.com
HANDMADE HIGHLIGHTS
The look is urban, but the product is strictly handicraft at Luang Prabang’s Kopnoi Export Promotion Centre, which stocks everything from sticky rice to bamboo bags – and all made in Laos. The focus of this funky new store is eco-friendly cotton clothing featuring simple but fun designs. JH Ban Aphay, tel +856 (0)205 471736
TEXTILE TREATS
Head to your nearest Jim Thompson stockist and check out the label’s latest luxurious prints, which includes the dramatic Secret Garden Collection.
Stag’s Horn will suit those who prefer the traditional classics presented with a contemporary twist; while the Black Parrot contrasts shimmering silk with matte cotton in ultra-modern colours. www.jimthompson.com
Q&A
Hong-Kong-born, Africa-raised Louise Kou’s latest venture KOU is a very classy, home-style boutique in the heart of Hong Kong’s downtown district that is proving to be a big hit since it opened last year.
The beautiful owner reveals why she chose to open the store and shares a few of her top travel tips.
What inspired you to open KOU?
The shop was my dream for 10 years. I spent my childhood in Central Africa where the local arts and exotic designs were a strong influence in my life. That shaped my unique style and interest in all things beautiful.
During my earlier career as a fashion buyer for major brands, I was involved with lifestyle products and felt Hong Kong sorely lacked a lifestyle consultancy.
My shop KOU is the answer to numerous requests from friends and guests who have visited my home and fallen in love with my assortment of home accessories.
How is KOU unique?
KOU is totally unique in Hong Kong. It is the city’s only lifestyle concept store that is laid out as an actual functioning home complete with open kitchen, bedroom, en-suite shower room, dressing room, study, dining room, and 
more.
Everything you see here is for sale, so customers can get a sense of how it looks in a home environment rather than a shop.
What are your favourite items for sale?
The Murano glass dangling candle-holders from Italy, ranging from HK$7,000 to HK$26,000 (depending on size) and a red 19th Century French Antique Loveseat. I also love Paul Ropp’s new collection which is available exclusively in the dressing room.
What do you never leave home without when travelling?
My pillow – it’s very important for a good night’s sleep. It doesn’t matter how bad the bed is – as long as I have my good pillow, I won’t wake up with a bad neck.
How do you combat the effects of jetlag?
Try to take an evening flight and train yourself to sleep. When you arrive, get straight to work and keep yourself busy to ensure you set your internal clock immediately to the new time zone.
Do you travel in Asia a lot? If so, have you any retail highlights?
I love Bangkok! My retail highlights are Soda in the Emporium and Bangkok Plaza. The clothes are funky and reasonably priced.
Which of the Bangkok Airways’ destinations would you like to fly to?
Chiang Mai. I have never been there before, and I’ve heard that it’s really beautiful.
What is your favourite restaurant and bar in Hong Kong?
DaVino in Central’s Hollywood Road and Opia restaurant at Philippe Stark’s JIA hotel in Causeway Bay.
What does the year hold for KOU?
I’m working hard on expanding the home accessorising programme side of the business. I enjoy updating and enhancing clients’ homes with accessories from KOU.
22nd Floor, Fung House, 19-20 Connaught Road, tel +852 2530-2234
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