Heading to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City, or just doing a staycay in Singapore? Here are the trendiest boutiques and Asian labels, recommended by Her World’s editors, celebs and social-media stars. Book that air ticket now!
Heading to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City, or just doing a staycay in Singapore? Here are the trendiest boutiques and Asian labels, recommended by Her World’s editors, celebs and social-media stars. Book that air ticket now!
INDONESIA / JAKARTA
You get the best of both worlds: ethnic dresses with a modern twist and the coolest multi-brand stores that even Henry Holland would approve of!
707 Store
8B Jl. Kemang Raya +62 21 7180 051 www.facebook.com/707store
It’s a one-stop shop for cool indie brands like Cheap Monday, Miista and Herschel. Proof of the store’s street cred? Designer Henry Holland, who’s famous for his tongue-in-cheek designs, attended an event at the store for his cult brand House of Holland in 2013. From 350,000 rupiah (S$37) for a tote.
Jade
Unit F120, Level 3 Plaza Indonesia, Jl. MH Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Jakarta Pusat +62 21 3983 8818 @jade_jakarta
Here, you’ll find emerging brands like US label Self-portrait (known for its guipure lace dresses that celebs like Rachel McAdams love), and established ones like Alaia and Missoni. Another reason why this multi-label store is a hit with locals: end-of-season sales here have discounts of up to 70 per cent. From 2,000,000 rupiah for a pair of shoes.
Ghea Fashion Studio
Jl. Subang No. 12, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat +62 21 3192 2106 @gheafashionstudio
Indo-Dutch designer Ghea Panggabean is famous for using traditional textiles like batik and songket (a type of brocade), and reworking them in modern silhouettes like pencil skirts, peplum tops and empire-waist dresses. From 2,000,000 rupiah for a top.
The Papilion Duo
#G2-20 Pacific Place, Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Kebayoran Baru +62 21 5797 3645 www.thepapilion.com/the_papilion
Spanning 520 sq m, this lifestyle concept store hosts an eclectic mix of accessories, books, fragrances, designer shoes, handbags and clothes sourced from around the world. Besides quirky fashion brands like Anya Hindmarch and Tsumori Chisato, you can shop chic home and kitchen wares from brands like Secondome and Seletti, and cult label Fornasetti, which is famous for its candles. From 950,000 rupiah for a pack of Anya Hindmarch stickers.
This 23-year-old Indonesian dentist, who has more than 29,000 followers on Instagram, is known for mixing high-fashion and high-street brands. Her fave shopping place? Multilabel store FJ’L Boutique, for its variety of exclusive-in- Jakarta brands like Scottish label Karen Mabon (known for its silk scarves), and brands like A.P.C. and Equipment that are famous for cool basics. “There’s a spa on the third floor too – perfect for winding down after shopping,” she says. From 1,000,000 rupiah for a necklace.
Fj’l boutique
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 25, Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan +62 21 7182 715 https://www.facebook.com/fjl-boutique-126365990755455
MALAYSIA /KUALA LUMPUR
Glam party dresses, vintage purses and even quirky homeware – this city has something for every occasion.
Melinda Looi
131 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur +60 3 2093 2279 www.melindalooi.com
This is a must-visit for its super-modern cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Designer Melinda Looi has dressed celebs like American actress Olivia Wilde and Malaysian actress Angelica Lee, and represented Malaysia at the 2014 World Fashion Week in Paris. We love her embroidery and feather details, and the cocktail dresses with practical pockets. From RM1,500 for an evening dress.
Red’s Revenge
Lot 40, Level G2, Publika Shopping Gallery @ Dutamas, No. 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur +60 3 4285 4993 http://www.redsrev.com
This store is a treasure trove of necklaces, earrings, clutches, mini totes, headpieces and sunglasses. Our favourite items? Glam party pieces like the statement necklaces and feminine floral earrings shown here. From RM9.90 (S$3.30) for a pair of earrings.
Never Follow Suit
28-2, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur +60 3 2284 7316 www.facebook.com/never.follow.suit.bangsar
A collaboration between Malaysian stylist Victor Goh and Malaysian designer Max Mak, this store has both vintage and modern-minimalist clothes and accessories in three distinct spaces. The first is filled with vintage pieces like military jackets and purses. In another room, you’ll find racks of monochrome dresses. And in the last space? Homeware and knickknacks like blankets and harmoniums. From RM20 for a belt.
SF by Sazzy Falak
56, Jalan Athinahapan 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur +60 1 9229 2458 www.facebook.com/streetfashionbysazzyfalak
If you love a modern take on ethnic pieces, check out this label by Malaysian actress and TV host Sazzy Falak. Expect boho-chic dresses in fabrics like batik and songket, and ankle-length cardigans with tribal-style prints. From RM130 for a chiffon kimono.
Celeb’s pick Sazzy falak @sazzyfalak
If the TV host and actress (top left) had to pick one boutique to shop at, it would be Modvier. “It houses an array of designer labels, which always leaves me spoilt for choice,” says Sazzy. Situated in Bangsar – the high-end fashion district of Kuala Lumpur – Modvier has 65 local and international brands under its roof, including Bella Ammara, Fana Couture and Zawara. From RM8.90 for accessories.
Modvier
392 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur +60 3 2201 8825 www.modvier.com
SINGAPORE
From a rising local brand to the buzziest multi-label haunts to a retro-chic salon, these cool stores are worth visiting again and again.
Exhibit
#04-115 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road 6737-9708 http://exhibitstore.co
Nothing’s above $250 at this home-grown label founded by Angie Chia and Instagram star Yoyo Cao (@ yoyokulala), which showed for the first time at this year’s Singapore Fashion Week. We love its quirky details, like spongy net overlays sporty dresses. From $89.90 for a top.
Et-i-kit
#03-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road 6235-2845 www.et-i-kit.com
The store’s name is a play on the word “etiquette” (and is pronounced that way too). This is where you’ll find hip emerging labels like Self-portrait and Cornetti (famous for its sandals) from the US, and Thea by Thara from Thailand. Next year, the store will also carry a range of lifestyle products like candles and jewellery trays. From $150 for a top.
Prep Luxe
#01-62 Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Road 6384-1406 http://prepyourhair.com
Here’s a retro-chic hair salon that’s also a bar. You’ll love the complimentary rose wine it serves while you’re getting your hair done. Besides the usual wash, cut and blow, the salon off ers a $50 speed-styling menu, where you can request braided hairstyles or updos like the ones sported by cool girls Blake Lively and Cara Delevingne on the red carpet.
Inverted Edge
#01-11 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road www.invertededge.com
What started as an online shop in 2012 has grown to include more than 50 emerging labels from South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It even opened its first physical store this year. A hint at what you can find there: casual T-shirt dresses and mesh tops from South Korean brand Kimmy J, fun two-tone cat-eye sunnies from Japanese brand Fakoshima and edgy metal jewellery from Australian label Au Revoir Les Filles. From $25 for a bracelet.
Salon by Surrender
#B2M-232 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue 6688-7813 www.surrenderous.com
The off shoot of multi-label store Surrender is known for its range of luxe streetwear brands that do embroidered bomber jackets and fringed high-tops. You’ll also find exclusive brands like Blanc & Eclare (founded by former K-pop star Jessica Jung), Buscemi and Off -white. From $150 for a top.
Celeb's Pick
Nadia rahmat @skinnykatwoman
Earlier this year, she was one of 11 lucky people from around the world picked through an Instagram search to front a Marc by Marc Jacobs ad. Her fave shopping haunt? “Superspace – because the clothes are just out of this world!” says the 24-yearold model, who once scored an oversized tee in a holographic fabric there, as well as a raincoat adorned with a palm-tree print. At this eclectic multi-label store founded by ex-Butter Factory owners Bobby Luo and Ritz Lim, and local designers Gilda Su and Samuel Wong, you’ll find cult avant-garde brands like Ytinifninfinity and KTZ, and quirky local labels like Revasseur, Mash-up and Yesah. From $69 for a top.
Superspace
#02-18 Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road 6702-6522 http://nightvision-online.com
THAILAND /BANGKOK
Another reason to make this city your fave weekend getaway: Its designers do pretty, feminine clothing with a fun twist so well.
Anchavika
Level 2 Central Chidlom Department Store + 66 85 144 5050 www.anchavika.com
Founder and designer Anchalee Vikasidnakhakun counts Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier – famous for their outrageous and dramatic designs – among her idols. So it’s surprise that she’s known for statement occasion wear such as jumpsuits with ruffles and floor-length skirts with sculptural details exaggerated hips. From 4,000 baht (S$157) for a top.
Milin
Unit 309, Level 3 Siam Center +66 2658 1134 www.milin.com
Here’s where you might find your standout party outfit. Milin, currently one of the most popular Thai labels in the country, has sexy cocktail dresses, jumpsuits with sculptural ruffles and skirts with floral embellishments – and they’re all under 14,500 baht to boot. From 4,000 baht for a top.
Vatanika
Level 2 Central Chidlom Department Store +66 2663 7258 www.vatanika-design.com
This four-year-old label is most famous for its suits and blazers. But items in its latest collection, pictured here, include feminine but still work-friendly pencil skirts with mermaid hems, and weekend-ready bustier tops made with pretty guipure lace. From 10,000 baht for a top.
Iconic
G Floor Central Plaza Ladprao +66 2937 0775 www.facebook.com/iconicofficials
A fave among Thai actresses and TV hosts, this label is good for girlie and youthful pieces like off -the-shoulder tops, Peter Pan-collared shift dresses and box-pleated skirts. And you can count on every collection being packed with fun colours. From 2,550 baht for a top.
Celeb's pick
“Woonsen” Virithipa Pakdeeprasong @vjwoonsen
This 34-year-old actress, TV host and former VJ (with more than 3.6 million Instagram followers!) is almost always spotted in Nara’s cocktail or evening dresses at the numerous events she attends or hosts. She clearly loves the brand’s penchant for dresses, skirts and pants with slits. “I love the cut of the dresses; the designer has good taste,” she says. From 3,000 baht for a top.
Nara
The Racquet Club, Sukhumvit 49 +66 61 397 0668 www.nara-hq.com
VIETNAM / HO CHI MINH
On the hunt for chic basics or statement party pieces? You’ll find lots of them in this emerging fashion city.
LNKK by Kim Khanh
174 Nguyen Trai St, District 1, Ben Thanh Ward www.facebook.com/lnkk.boutique
Looking for a sexy party dress? You’re in luck. Fitted sheaths with sheer panels are a signature of designer Kim Khanh. From 4,442,667 dong (S$228) for a short dress.
Lam Gia Khang
Floor 2, 42bis, Ly Tu Trong St, District 1 +84 8 6681 5208
Designer Lam Gia Khang offers all the basics-with-a-twist you’ll need, like a white long-sleeved top jazzed up with a harness, and a drawstring dress. Other details you’ll find in the latest collection: military-style buttons and crochet lace. From 3.5 million dong for a dress.
Lam by Lam
71 Mac Thi Buoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 +84 9 3867 4998 www.lilam.vn
Mix and match away! Here, you’ll find casual striped tees, pyjama tops and baggy menswear shirts that go perfectly with culottes or drawstring pants. From 666,400 dong for a top, pants or minidress.
Le Thanh Hoa
442 Vo Van Tan St, District 1 +84 9 0634 9193
Designer Le Thanh Hoa has dressed Vietnam’s top beauty pageant title-holders like Jennifer Pham and Dang Thu Thao. One of nine Vietnamese designers showcased at Vietnam International Fashion Week 2014, he’s also known for his flowy silhouettes and love of sequins. From 2,221,749 dong for a cocktail dress.
Huy Tran
206 Le Van Sy St, District 3 www.facebook.com/huytrandesigner
Get your fix of modern, structured cocktail dresses here – they’re by one of Vietnam’s leading designers, Huy Tran. The boldly coloured pieces have details like pleats, folds and exaggerated ruffles. Our favourite piece? The high-waisted skirt with subtle ruffle details. From 3 million dong for a short dress.
Celeb’s pick
Ha Anh @haanhvu
This much-talked-about Vietnamese supermodel and singer loves wearing Gosto’s elegant peep-toes and strappy sandals for her event appearances. “I love how Gosto (which loosely means ‘go to Vietnam’) supports the local fashion industry with every piece being a high-quality, made-in-Vietnam product,” she says. From 1,110,916 dong for a pair of leather pumps.
Gosto
988 Nguyen Van Linh St, Tan Phong Ward, District 7 +84 9 3821 2198 www.gostogroup.com
