Search
TOP SHOPS
shopping news from bangkok airways’ destinations
TOG TIPS
after Andorra-born designer Nuria Stuart moved to Phuket in 2002, she told visiting friends: “Just pack lingerie and swimwear – these are the only things you can’t find in Thailand.” Soon aft er, Stuart decided to use her background in design to start up Phuket Mermaids (www.phuketmermaids.com), creating stylish, quality swimwear. Nuria has since opened 10 boutiques across Thailand in Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Hua Hin.
Here, she gives her tips for choosing the right togs:
START with COLOUR
The first and most important thing to consider when buying a swimsuit is to choose a colour that complements your skin and which you also love.
GO LOW
Low-riding (right, at or below the hip bones) bikini bottoms are always more flattering.
SIZE MATTERS
Make sure the togs fit right – too tight will pinch the flesh and add bulk; too big will cause the fabric to “fold” when you come out of the water. The cut that’s right for you will look and feel good.
FLY BUYS
Four smart traveller products you’ll love:
1 COVER ALL
Every woman needs one in their bag – the Everything Pencil from JudiThAugust Cosmetics (US$15, www.judithaugustcosmetics.com) is a lip liner, eye shadow base, highlighter and concealer for face and body. Infused with healing Vitamin E and aloe vera, this all-in-one comes in six easy blending colours and is less fussy than liquid cover-ups.
2 SUITS ME
Pack smart for business meetings or special events with the Contura Suit Carrier (US$60), the world’s first lightweight compact suit holder from Omnimus (Unit 804, Wai Wah Commercial Centre, 4-6 Wilmer Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, tel +852 (0) 2545-0293, www.omnimus.com). The zip-up bag is available in two sizes and three colours.
3 BITE ME
Not a fan of the harsh chemicals in most insect repellents’? Try REPEL (US$30, www.comoshambhala.biz), an all-natural version which uses citronella and lavender essential oils to keep mosquitoes and sandflies at bay. Made by spa whizzes COMO Shambhala, the lotion is perfect for humid, sunny climates as it also doubles up as a moisturiser.
4 RUB-ON
Leave your bottle of Chanel No. 5 at home, and opt for Jomora (300 baht from Poem, 236/10 Siam Square Soi 2, tel +66 (0)2 658-4755), solid potted perfume balms that save you worrying about spills and onboard liquid regulations. Comes in five easy-wearing scents (from light floral to heady citrus), these twist-tops are small enough to go wherever you do.
LOOK BOOK
For books that bring fine art and architectural gems onto our coffee tables, you can’t beat these two new hardcover releases.
Prolific artist Shinro Ohtake is the doyen of Japan’s art scene, and the book Shinro Ohtake Zen-Kei Retrospective 1955-2006 (www.grambooks.jp) captures his vast body of multi-media work – including CD recordings of his 
auditory explorations.
Paradise by Design: Tropical Residences and Resorts by Bill Bensley Design Studios (www.periplus.com.sg) is the stunning portfolio of the Bangkok-based architecture firm.
More than 20 of Asia’s most beautiful hotels and homes are included – Anantara Koh Samui and the Marriott Phuket among them.
NEW AND NOTED
Visitors to Luang Prabang are oft en keen to purchase local handicraft s and support community trade. You can do boThat Orange Tree (House 67, Unit 4, Ban Wat Nong, tel +856 (0)20 657-5495). The shop sells “charitable products” such as baskets, beautiful Lao silks and other traditional products made by Lao villagers.
Orange Tree exclusively stocks Cama Craft s, a self-help project which provides a source of income to the Hmong people. They also carry a range of antiques which are personally sourced from around Indochina by co-owner Chris Groocock. Step in and pick up some feel-good gift s for friends and family.
CAMBODIAN ROSE
Boutique owner Dana Urmonas, recently opened Mandarin Rose, a Hong Kong store which sells clothing by Cambodian designer, Romyda KeTh(below). Romyda’s label Ambre is known for its vivid colours and the use of lush Khmer silk. Dana tells us why Cambodian couture has taken off in the territory.
Why did you decide to stock Ambre in Mandarin Rose?
Romyda Keth’s designs are very different from what was previously available in Hong Kong. Herextensive range makes it easy for any body type to fit intoher clothes while her creative energy continuously provides new and varied stock.
Why do customers like Romyda’s designs?
She doesn’t follow trends but provides unique feminine clothing targeting the sophisticated woman. She creates new designs constantly, and none of her items are mass-produced. This means that Mandarin Rose receives new stock from her on a weekly basis! We have a constantly evolving range of clothing, so the avid shopper keeps coming back to see what’s new.
How’s business going so far?
Extremely well! Mandarin Rose customers love that there is only a handful of one style available in Hong Kong – it means you are literally one in a million when you wear your Ambre outfit. As her style is so different from the mainstream and her cut is very feminine, I’ve had many customers come back for more pieces. Better still, people come after seeing someone in an Ambre outfit and asking them where they found it!
Do you have plans to bring in any other Cambodian designers?
At the moment, the boutique is only large enough for one designer. However, when Mandarin Rose expands, I’d like to look at some other designers – possibly of accessories – whose creations will complement Romyda Keth’s clothes.
Bookmark This Post
