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shopping news from bangkok airways’ destinations
MALL RAT
Jungceylon , the ancient name for Phuket, has now been re-appropriated as the moniker for a swanky new shopping centre in the heart of Patong. With more than 200 shops, a department store, supermarket, restaurants such as Singapore’s iconic Indochine, a cinema complex, bowling alley and (get this) karaoke rooms, Jungceylon is a big city mega-mall in the heart of Phuket.
For something quintessentially Thai, head downstairs to That’s Siam . Best of all, this emporium of thai fabric, and arts and craft s doesn’t close until midnight. Perfect for all that last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Corner of Bangla and Rat-U-Th it Road, Patong, tel +66 (0)76 600111 www.jungceylon.com
SHOE BIZ
Shoe lovers rejoice! World-renowned shoe designer Manolo Blahnik , has opened its first Southeast Asian boutique in Singapore. The 884-square-foot store will stock over 100 Manolo shoes, starting with the Spring/Summer collection that’s on the shelves now.
So powerful is this brand, that the word “Manolo†has become the high-brow slang for a pair of pretty, and very expensive shoes. Look out for customised heel heights and colours exclusive to Singapore – including a powder-pu? pink version of Blahnik’s signature Mary Jane shoes. Prices start at S$1,199 (US$790) per pair. #02-03 The Shopping Gallery, Hilton Hotel Singapore, 581 Orchard Road, tel +65 6738-1313
LAST STRAW
The Khamu people of Laos use them to drink locally-brewed
alcohol from ceramic jars, but these traditional Laotian
drinking straws, made of reusable bamboo are just as good
for orange juice or iced tea. After use, simply throw them in
with the dishes and wash, and they will last you for up to a
year. This gift, perfect for your environmentally-conscious
friends, is available at US$7 for a set of 12 from Kopnoi
Export Promotion Centre.
42/3 Phommathat Road, Ban Aphay, Luang Prabang
BOMBAY BOUTIQUE
For a one-of-a-kind Indian couture piece, make your way to this exclusive boutique tucked away in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 39.
Madhu Kalra works closely with prominent Indian designers Anamika Khanna and Ravage Classic to create custom-designed pieces for any occasion. Madhu uses both Indian textiles and Thai silks in her made-to-order creations. Be sure to call before you head over, since the store is open only from 12pm to 3pm on weekdays. 20/30 Soi Promitr, Sukhumvit Soi 39, tel +66 (0)81 874-8636
TRUNK CALL
For a unique piece of Myanmar that you can bring home with you, look no further than Elephant Parade , a series of limited edition replicas of carved wooden elephants, painted by up-and-coming local Burmese artists. These are mini versions of the 25kg originals which were part of an inaugural competition held early this year. Nine of the 22 elephant designs, including the winning entry by artist Ma Nan (above) have been miniaturised, and are on sale now at Yangon’s River Gallery. 92 Strand Road, tel +951 (0) 243377 ext 1821, www.rivergallerymyanmar.com
SECRET SHOPPER
Want to take the Hong Kong shops by storm but don’t know where to start? Author of the new book Shop in Hong Kong – An Insider’s Guide ( www.shopinhongkong.hk ), Ellen McNally , shares her tips for tracking down the city’s top bargains, antiques and a good suit.
Where can you get the best bargains in Hong Kong?
The deals at Citygate Outlets ( www.citygateoutlets.com.hk ), a discount mall near the airport, are simply fabulous. Goods there are between 30 and 70 per cent o? the usual price. There are about 30 to 40 shops with everything from Calvin Klein and Bally to Quiksilver and Columbia Outfitters here. It’s a bit far out, but well worth the trek.
Where’s the place to get a good suit?
Sam’s Tailor in Kowloon ( www.samstailor.com ) is an institution here. Sam, (better known as Manu Melwani, an Indian tailor who runs this family business) has made suits for Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Luciano Pavarotti and Pierce Brosnan.
Wherever you go to have a suit made, ask for a little sample cut-out of the fabric you choose and bring this back during your fittings so you can be sure the end product is what you asked for. Also, make sure you go for three fittings, as that is the standard in Hong Kong.
Is it hard to find genuine antiques?
On Hollywood Road (below), you don’t have to worry about reproductions – all the dealers are very trustworthy. Here, you’ll find Chinese antiques from di?erent periods. It is always good to get a certificate of authenticity with any purchase, and be sure to ask if the item has been refinished, repaired in any way or had parts replaced, as all that can alter the value somewhat.
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