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shopping news from bangkok airways destinations
OUT OF THE WOODS
Check out Luang Prabang’s Caruso Lao Home Craft shop and its exquisite collection of home decor made from Lao woods and silks by Canadian Sandra Caruso. Working with only the most skilled local artisans and the highest quality materials, the star of the show is Caruso’s signature design – stunning black and white mahogany vases. JS 60 Sakaline Road, Ban Vat Sene, tel +856 (0)71 254450
MUSICAL MATTERS
It’s long been one of the most popular art boutiques on Nimmanhaemin Soi 1, featuring an unmatched slew of one-of-a-kind and wacky knick knacks, but now Suriyan Chandra is a must-stop shop for those seeking musical and visual delights.
Resident musicologist as well as part-owner Suriya B Roman has set up a cosy listening station in the shop, bursting with an incredible array of CDs from all over the world. Just tell him what kinds of music you like and then kick back on the overstuffed sofa and watch the albums fly in and out of the sound system as he does his best to find just the right collection for you.
there is also an impressive library of coffee-table art books for your browsing pleasure, and as always, some of the most inspired, kitschy artefacts on the continent. You’ll likely leave with a smile on your face and a bag in your hand. OB 1 Soi 1 Nimmanhaemin Road, tel +66
(0)53 227480, www.suriyanchandra.com
WORTHY BUYS
A thai handicraft s boutique at the entrance to Phuket’s famed Baan Rim Pa cliff-top restaurant, the Collection carries an exquisite array of traditional arts, craft s and decor items, including fine cottons and silks, costume jewellery, handmade bamboo chopsticks, pottery and incense. Many products support the Queen Mother Mae Fa Luang (or “Royal Mother of the Sky”) Foundation so you can spend your money knowing that you are supporting a worthy cause. KH 223 Kalim Beach Road, Patong, tel +66
(0)76 340789, www.maefahluang.org
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Adjacent to Siem Reap’s popular Blue Pumpkin café, you’ll find Kokoon, which sells an array of curries, spices, flavoured teas, soaps, incense and oils, all beautifully packaged in handmade bamboo boxes. You can also stock up on one-offdesign silk bags and throws or wraps as well as hammered copper pots and chinaware. CG Pi thnou Street, tel +855 (0)63 963830
BIG IS BEST
Branded as “the destination for life leisure”, Phuket’s new Jungceylon shopping and entertainment complex at Patong Beach invites the world to a glitzy Grand Opening celebration in April. the Sino-Portuguese architecture and modern Oriental interior houses major department stores, over 200 local and international brand shops, a thai handicraft centre, cinemas, a fully-equipped sports zone, night entertainment venues, alfresco food courts and restaurants, fountain sound and light shows, spas, special events, exhibitions and super sales. KH Corner of Rat-U-thit and Bangla Roads, Patong, www.jungceylon.com
TIME FOR TEA
Discerning fans of Ziamese Tea Society’s brews will be thrilled to learn that a range of new “Boutique Teas” has been launched. All sachets come in an extra-large size and are individually packed in an aluminum foil bag. Available in three different flavours – Green Mulberry Tea, Green Mulberry Tea Extra and Minty Mulberry Tea– the leaves are roasted to offer a more robust taste. www.ziamesesisters.com
CAMBODIAN COLLECTION
Cherry Blossom Boutique has proved a popular addition to Siem Reap’s shopping scene since opening last year, as home to a stunning collection of handmade 100 per cent Cambodian silk clothing.
Choose from gorgeous dresses and suits to handbags and even home furnishings such as pillows, bed spreads and table cloths. It’s the perfect place to find something to wear for that special occasion. CG 430, Group 7, Mondul 1, Svay Dangkum Commune, tel +855 (0)63 761401
Q&A: IN THE KLOSET
Founded in 2001, Kloset is run by a group of people who live for fashion and wanted to create a label that brought trendy quality clothes to the public at reasonable prices. Alongside a first store in Gaysorn Plaza and further outlets in Siam Centre, Central Chidlom and the Emporium, their collections can also be found all over Europe as well as Hong Kong, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. We talk to fashion designer Nat Mangkang or “Lek” – one of the dedicated founding team behind Kloset.
When did you first become interested in fashion?
I have been interested ever since childhood. My mother is a tailor, so I got to see how she worked from a young age. She was the one who taught me how important stitching and details are, showing me how to use crotchet and embroidery.
I also read fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle frequently. Although my father wanted me to study business rather than fashion, this didn’t stop me. Some of my friends at fashion school didn’t have enough money for all their textbooks, so I would buy them their study materials in exchange for them teaching me what they were learning.
This is how I learnt to tell the difference between beautiful, well-made clothes and ordinary clothes.
When and why did you decide to open Kloset?
I opened Kloset in 2002 because the fashion market for women’s clothes in thailand did not really offer much specialised techniques and detailing. I wanted to make young people more aware of how important details are and what makes beautiful clothes. I also wanted to create fashion that could be mixed and matched with T-shirts and jeans on a daily basis.
What types of product can be found in your store?
We have two lines. First is “Kloset”, which has a country chic theme that features lots of floral and country print designs. then there is “Kloset Red Carpet”. this still has the country feel, but is more street couture. these are clothes that can be worn to dinner, parties and events, but can also be mixed with jeans and shorts for daywear.
What are your favourite items and best-sellers?
My favourite is the red satin rose dress (below) that is bothfeminine and classy. the bottom edge of the dress features rose details made out of the fabric being folded onto itself. this season’s best-sellers are chiffon blouses and skirts, as well as cocktail dresses.
Any travel essentials?
A pencil and sketch book, digital camera and ipod.
What is your favourite place to shop in Bangkok?
Chatuchak market is great for second-hand clothes – and it is also a showcase for new Bangkok designers. I like to see what the younger designers are coming up with and how they are thinking. Also, if I get bored, I can draw inspiration from boththe new and old styles.
Where would you like to fly to go on a shopping trip?
Japan – the people are extremely stylish, unique and individual. Even those who dress “normal” still have a great way of dressing and accessorising. Plus, people definitely express their individuality there.
What do the following months have in store?
this year’s project is to open Kloset franchises in more international locations. We want to increase our market share in America and Japan, so as to further define the Kloset image.
Kloset (head office), tel +66 (0)2 655-6117/8, www.klosetdesign.com
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