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If there is one place where you would seldom find me, that place would be the menswear store. With the exception of unisex designer boutiques like Gucci or Hermès, I always hate being inside a menswear store.
Well, call me a menswear store hater or whatever you like but I always try to avoid entering stores where men shop because one, the interior and the ambience are too anal and does not evoke the urge to shop in me and two, I see more grey-haired guys than young ones buying!
However, there is one menswear store that caught my attention most since its inception last year and that lucky store is called The Emperor’s New Clothes or TENC.
A boutique best described as “a menswear store like no other”, TENC was founded by three men whom all shared the same yet profound passion in fashion – Casmad Sanuri (Memed), Ruben Emir Gnanalingam and Khairy Jamaluddin – and boasts an ambiance that you could not find in any other menswear boutiques around KL.
When I first entered the store, which was late last year, it was the interior – yes, not the clothes – that caught my attention.
Just imagine yourself being in one of those Ivy League frat homes - wooden fixtures, plush leather sofas and mahogany coffee table laid with glossy fashion bibles, and some antique artifacts to evoke luxury feeling teemed with relaxed lighting.
In addition, the pool table, which lies in the centre of the store, also plays an important role as one of the store’s attraction.
But the best part has yet to come. Unique interior décor approach aside, the other major factor that draws horde of fashionistas stampeding into TENC would definitely be its well-edited selection of clothing and accessories brand, thus befitting its quirky name.
Though it might be too long to list them all down, among sought-after brands carried by TENC include Antik Denim, Armand Basi, Citizens of Humanity, Earnest Sewn, J Brand, Mike & Chris, Project E, Jil Sander, Canterbury NZ and Helmut Lang.
Apart from that, Justin Timberlake die-hard wannabes (I’m referring to those who love emulating his style rather than listening to his works) will be enthralled to know that TENC also carries his premium denim brand William Rast.
A denim brand that runs slightly away from the clichés of other celebrity clothing brands, William Rast has garnered quite a lot of attention from fashion press worldwide plus a humongous following among celebrities and denim lovers alike. Even Justin’s ex-leading lady, actress Cameron Diaz has been spotted wearing William Rast a few times after the breakup!
Besides premium denim and designer togs, male fashionistas also can look forward to the exciting lineup of accessories and personal furnishings. Selling like hot cakes at the moment is the athletic Blinde sunglasses.
A superb brand of sporty shades sporting cutting-edge yet clean lines and silhouettes, Blinde shades, to date, have been seen shielding the eyes of Hollywood leading hunks such as Brad Pitt, Leonardo diCaprio and hottie-licious Matthew McConaughey.
Therefore, to experience what it is like to shop inside an Ivy League’s frat room or dressing up like an emperor (sans being humiliated in the public for being threadbare as in the ever-popular fairy tale), make your way straight to TENC today.
*Photos courtesy of TENC, William Rast and Blinde websites.
The Emperor’s New Clothes (TENC) - Lot 3.35, Pavilion KL, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
A real fashionista is like a curious explorer who always seeks to discover new uncharted territories. In the city of lights and love like Paris, there are many hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed.
Thus, the moment she walked out of her chic 8th arrondisement apartment and entered her black bullet proof Mercedes, it is neither the Galleries Lafayette nor the posh stores that neatly lined Avenue Montaigne she would head for. Instead, her destination would be the fabulous Rue Saint Honoré, where a new fashion wonderland called MinaPoe is located.
Founded by Mina D’Ornano, a former actress, screenwriter as well as director, MinaPoe is more than just a fashion boutique secretly tucked in between the bigger likes of Hermès or Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, but it is also a couture brand well-known by rabid fashion connoisseurs. Inside her store is certainly another world to discover. Featuring an elaborately ornamented façade, which surely draws the attention of any fashionistas who pass by, the store is divided into two floors and boasts contemporary layout with wooden floorings and antiquated fixtures.
Well-edited selections of clothes and bags aside, the antique elements of the store is further enhanced with the presence of gilded chair and meticulously crafted Turkish ottoman that complement the gilded-framed large mirror and matching fixtures well (even the mannequin stand is gilded as well!)
Giving this eccentric yet unique boutique an air of sultriness and classiness are the posh crystal chandeliers hung on the high ceilings of the store. In other words, entering MinaPoe store is akin to entering the secret yet fashionable world of the owner herself.
Besides retailing her world-famous line of couture accessories, MinaPoe also carries a number of clothes designed with two important elements – the constant glamour of Elsa Schiaparelli and raw edginess of talented late Jimi Hendrix – in mind. How it happened? It all comes from her frustration of never been able to find what she wanted to wear.
Using inspiration and motivation as the key themes, the former actress/screenwriter and director graduated from Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique, she conceived fashion in her own interpretation.- some Bohemian splendour, a generous pinch of Parisian allure, plus spiritual alliance built between the two aforementioned aesthetic icons.
What’s more, so unique her creations are, they caught the attention of Saks Fifth Avenue and before you know it, MinaPoe has turned into a luxury household name among Saks shoppers, from New York’s glam-thirsty socialites to the super rich oil sheikhs’ wives of Riyadh.
So, if you’re looking for a lease of Parisian couture quirkiness and a new place to reinvent your style, then don’t forget to drop by MinaPoe at the über-chic Rue Saint Honoré.
*Photos courtesy of MinaPoe.
MinaPoe – 382, Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris.
When we talk about shopping in New York, fashionistas would quickly imagine themselves splurging hard-earned cash or swiping Black Amex sans fuss or suffering excessive sweating and anxiety at the stately fashion and lifestyle emporiums that lined the swanky Fifth Avenue.
But for style hunters who prefer to skid away from the lure of mass luxury produce (think of all the Botega Venetta bags you can get at Saks), the Big Apple also has lots of hidden fashion gems waiting to be discovered.
Thanks to the diversity of taste and New Yorker’s hallmarked boldness in experimenting with avant-garde styles, you may also find niche boutiques that carry hip and avant-garde fashion labels screaming true individuality. And one of these must drop by precious style gems is Début New York.
Located between Houston and Bleecker at the infamous Mulberry Street, Début is a unique fashion realm worth discover. Founded by Lisa Weiss, the store caters to women with profound desire for individuality. Unlike other multi-brand stores around New York City, Début sets itself apart from its rivals with interactive gallery-like layout.
Here, fashion designers and their collections are not subjected to the archetypal retail treatment. Instead, they are regarded as artists and their works of art a.k.a. creations are uniquely displayed at their own spaces within the boutique. Like a treasure trove, one could find an array of precious find inside this contemporary multi-brand store.
Among others, they include urban garbs designed by up and coming designers namely Arthur Mendonça from Canada, Bérubé and Ross Barnes from United Kingdom, Bokyung Cha from Korea, as well as by Michael Angel from Australia. Inspired by the cultish soundtrack of Twin Peaks, Julie Bérubé’s ready-to-wear collection is well known for embodying movement, energy and spontaneity with black markers and draped ribbons as her design trademarks.
On the other hand, Australian designer Michael Angel’s fluid yet emotive collection veritably depicts the character traits of modern women – strong and self aware. This season, he chose high renaissance artists, Irving Penn and Pierre et Gilles photographs, laced with Shakespeare’s Sister influence as his muse.
Clothing aside, you might also be thrilled by the well-edited selection of sophisticated yet modern jewellery and accessories designed by Maja Schulz, Elledi, Experiment 101, Brynn Hudson, Rachel Rymar and Flutter by Jill Golden.
Need recommendation on must-have jewellery of the season? Get your hands on the dainty Caspana necklace by Flutter. Adorned with two clusters of semi-precious stones, the necklace is versatile and can be wrapped around your neck like a silk scarf. Amazing!
So if you are in the midst of seeking greener pasture in fashion while style-hunting in New York, you know where to go – Début New York.
*Photos courtesy of Début New York, Flutter NYC, and Michael Angel websites.
Début New York – 298, Mulberry Street (between Houston and Bleecker), New York NY 10012.
Luxury fashion freaks know it well that when it comes to shopping, nothing beats the charm and allure of Paris fashion scene.
But say, if you’re tired of spending those hard earned Euros at the same old likes of Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, or swank shops lining Rue Faubourg Saint Honoré and Avenue Montaigne (think Dior’s refurbished flagship), why don’t you seek greener fashion pasture at Maria Luisa for a change?
Swank to the max maybe the best line to describe Maria Luisa, a cult and modern luxury store in the heart of Paris. Founded by Maria Luisa in 1988, the boutique embodies the eclectic and efficient mix of both traditional and new.
Thanks to her sharp taste in fashion and her spontaneity, Maria Luisa and her boutique became not only the talk of Paris, but also the world over with wide coverage on hallowed pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.
This is where then new and emerging designers such as Christopher Kane, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Olivier Theyskens, and Rick Owens gained their humble beginnings before spearheading top fashion and couture houses in Paris. Apart from that, Maria Luisa also carries brands that have highly influenced the world’s style taste such as anarchic punk queen Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Martin Margiela, and Helmut Lang.
Now, one may wonder what’s inside this cult store and what makes it so appealing that your Paris shopping trip won’t be complete without dropping by into the store for a peek on Azzedine Alaïa’s new gowns?
Designed by Laurent Buttazzoni and Frederic Lavaud, the store’s appeal lies not just on the well-edited selections of ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories. The unique interior sense too attracts the crowd to browse and shop in the store.
Inspired by the apartment of a renowned conceptual art collector, Ghislain-Mollet Viéville, the 200 square meters of retail space is well-accented by mirrors, charcoal-grey walls, and a 22-metres long clothing rail. Paired with fabulous glass display with façade overseeing Rue du Mont Tabor, the attractiveness of the store is further enhanced with presence of lively colours on interior decor such as red furnishing, blue columns, and yellow space.
Of course, with a lavish yet contemporary décor comes a seductive array of ready-to-wear and accessories brand to spree on. From new and upcoming designers discovered by Maria Luisa to the world-renowned legends, a trip to Maria Luisa will definitely make you addicted, thus prompting you come over again day after day. The store also created history when its shoe store, opened in 1998, earned exclusive retail rights for Manolo Blahnik in Paris!
As years gone by, more designers made Maria Luisa their home in Paris. Furthermore, the store also received global acclaims and high reputations that soon prompted to their first store outside Paris in Hong Kong. Located at the Causeway Bay store, the Hong Kong branch of Maria Luisa also carries the same embodiment and spirit as its Parisian sister with eclectic yet vibrant mix of Parisian fashion staple (Givenchy) and fresh budding designers.
Come November, Doha’s most discerning fashionistas will get the chance to shop and dress like their Parisian counterparts too as Maria Luisa will expand her wings into the cosmopolitan Gulf city.
So, if you are looking for the amazing designs of British new gems Marios Schwab and Hussein Chalayan in the city that utters Dior and Chanel as part of their daily conversations, then you know where to head to – the splendid Maria Luisa boutique.
*Photos courtesy of Maria Luisa.
Maria Luisa – 7, Rue Rouget de L’isle, 75001 Paris (womenswear); 38, Rue du Mont Tabor, 75001 Paris (Menswear).
How often do we see stereotypical or negative portrayal of Middle East by the West as a poor, neglected and chaotic region with lots of syeikhs in robes and keffiyehs as well as oppressed women in burqas or chadors head to toe? Well, if you ask me, I have totally lost my count.
But contrary to what we saw on TV, Middle East is far better than that, with the exception of war-torn nations like Iraq and Palestine. With the abundance of oil means a lot of money and wealth pouring in. And with pouring wealth plus Middle Eastern women's strong predilection in couture and everything that worth no less than 1k and above, comes the idea that Middle East now is the new gold mine for high-end designers to rake in more cash.
If Kuwait has successfully attracted the global jetsetters to fly in and spend at its highly venerated fashion emporium Villa Moda, then Dubai too has its own answer and it’s called Boutique 1.
Located at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Boulevard, Boutique 1 can be best described as the one-stop centre for all the designer goods you could ever dream of, ranging from marvellous evening gowns by Lebanese couturier Elie Saab to must have Mulberry bags.
Apart from multi-brand retail space for both men and women which gather all the best names in international fashion arena such as the celebrated Oscar de la Renta, Missoni, Lavender by Vera Wang, Stella McCartney and Daslu just to name a few, the ritzy Boutique 1 also houses a number of store-in-stores for Chloé, Blumarine, and Luella accessories. Throw in its inviting contemporary interior and voila, you have found a style oasis in the heart of cosmopolitan desert.
In addition to its extensive yet posh ready-to-wear collection, Boutique 1 too houses more than 20 of the finest premium jeans labels in one special area dedicated to denims.
Among top names in jeans sphere that perched on its classy denim menu is Superfine, Habitual, Notify, 18th Amendment, J Brand, as well as Rich and Skinny. Need to know what is good for you? Just ask the store’s in-house Denim Experts and they will find what suits you the best.
Now gorgeous couture and denims aside, the Middle Eastern women too are famously known for their strong penchant in accessories and shoes as well. In order to cater demands from these well-heeled, well-travelled and absolutely sophisticated fashionistas, Boutique 1 also boasts a wide array of designer shoes and must have bags from internationally-acclaimed designers such as Azzedine Alaïa, Terry de Haviland, Laura Bohinc, and the trendy yet controversial bag brand from Beirut, known as Sarah’s Bag.
Though chic Arabian ladies with wads of money would be the bulk of their clients, Boutique 1 also has something for their male customer. Modelled after the women’s store with a slightly small built-up, the menswear area is made for men with discerning style.
Besides well-edited menswear lines by John Varvatos, Michael Bastian, Paul & Joe, James Perse, and Martin Margiela, the area too accommodates a great line of premium jeans from top notch brands namely Earnest Sewn, Rock and Republic, and James.
So we have put together a veritably modern layout with expansive line of womenswear and menswear, plus a healthy dose of denims and god-sent accessories. Then what else is missing?
Oh yes, the excellent or better still, prestigious in-store services that awaits you when shopping at Boutique 1.
Like most high prestige multi-brand stores or emporiums around the world, the services offered by Boutique 1 can be said as genuinely unparalleled.
Besides delivering to addresses within Dubai and providing chauffeuring services for its clients, you also can book whatever your heart desires from Fashion Week runways and have it delivered to you before the entire batch hits the stores worldwide.
Therefore, you will be among the first glamorous fashionistas of the world (besides esteemed Hollywood celebrities and supermodels) to wear hot seasonal key pieces culled straight from Paris Fashion Week runways! Well, isn’t fashion is about being first in line after all?
And following to the Emirates Towers Boulevard store’s enormous success right after its inception last spring, Boutique 1 will be opening its second store in Dubai this coming November.
The new store, featuring similar format to its sister store, will be opened at The Walk, just within the Jumeirah Beach Residence. With high fashion at the front of your doorstep, what else could the chic residents of Jumeirah Beach Residence ask more?
Therefore, if you want to experience shopping at a fabulous lane like the stylish Dubai ladies do, then book your First Class flight ticket to Dubai now and spend your heart out at Boutique 1.
*Photos courtesy of Boutique 1.
Boutique 1 – Emirates Towers Boulevard 1, Dubai, UAE.
Being one of the smallest countries in the world with a larger-than-life sum of annual GDP(US$55300.00 per capita), Kuwait is a goldmine for every luxury brands.
Despite of the common perception on Middle Eastern countries as being fully conservative due to the strong Islamic influences, still the demands for high-end goods are high in the region.
Like its neighbors, the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, the Kuwaitis are known to have strong penchant on everything that spells refinement and luxury thus it is not surprising to know that demands for branded goods such as Gucci, Prada, or Dior soared highly from year to year, prompting the influx of new brands and stores.
Though one may likely associate Kuwait's thriving luxury retail scene with Villa Moda, actually, there is one that have thrived and renowned among elite Kuwaitis long before Villa Moda was launched and it is known as AlOthman.
Founded in 1956 as a small family-run boutique, AlOthman was the purveyor of high-end fashion in Kuwait. With great fashion expertise that spans half a century, AlOthman keeps on bringing the best name in fashion from Milan, Paris, London, and New York to the style-conscious Kuwaitis till today.
Located at the Mariam Complex in the heart of Salmiya, AlOthman offers you not just a great selection of clothes and accessories from established as well as new names in the industry but also the ambiance that the store possessed - classic chic efficiently combined with contemporary yet sophisticated feel.
Among brands exclusively offered by AlOthman are Catherine Malandrino, Giles, Erdem, Collette Dinnigan, Kaftan Buddha, Hockley, Derek Lam, Tocca, Vera Wang, Proenza Schouler, and Zandra Rhodes for the ready-to-wear.
As the Middle Easterners are known to throw lavish parties, this requires them to be immaculately dressed, particularly in the evening and at AlOthman, there are so many to choose from, starting from Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, down to the exquisite creations of duo Badgley Mischka , Lebanese couturier Elie Saab, as well as Pierre Balmain.
For shoes and bags lovers, AlOthman should be included in your little black book because here, the accessories range are honestly made to die for!
Here, you may find lavish embellished clutch from the queen of clutches and minaudieres Devi Kroll, the sexy heels from shoe designer Christian Louboutin, Linda Farrow vintage by renowned designer Linda Farrow, and of course, the brand that shot 'Made in Brazil' label to international glory and fame, Daslu.
If you wish to relish in true opulence while spending all the dollars and dimes in Kuwait, then do it in style at AlOthman.
*Photos courtesy of AlOthman.
AlOthman - Maryam Complex, Salim Al Mubarak Street, Salmiya, 22057 Kuwait.
Are you tired of visiting the same ol' palatial Daslu and seeking for a greener pasture with classy stuff that truly reflects your personal style while shopping in São Paulo? Then head over to the über-chic NK Store.
Located in the most stylish district of all São Paulo known as Jardins with top-notch elite neighbors including Max Mara, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Versace, Bulgari, Christian Dior, and Roberto Cavalli to name a few, NK Store offers the best designer goods from both local and international arena with distinctive styles altogether housed in a single modern building at Rua Sarandi and sandwiched between São Paulo's famous retail belts - Rua Haddock Lobo and Rua Bela Cintra.
Boasting a truly magnificent modern architecture and a clean yet sleek layout in an efficient interior decoration color palette of white and black, NK Store is the face of Brazil's modern fashion retailing scenario. The floors are covered with posh and well-polished marble slabs or white tiles while the walls are either painted in pure virginal white or smartly adorned with slabs of brown granites with unpolished texture fashioned into long strips resembling classic wooden panels, finished off with fresh flower arrangements.
In case if you are wondering what NK stands for, it is the initial of its founder, fashion designer Natalie Klein.
A fashion savvy Brazilian woman who studied Architecture with good taste in fashion and business as well as art (Klein is one of the directors for São Paulo Museum of Modern Arts), the idea of creating a store that houses international labels that syncs with São Paulo's personality began when she was 21 with every piece of merchandises sold at the store was personally handpicked by Klein herself.
In order to fulfill the demands of her high-profile clients, Klein will not stock a single piece of item from a prospective new brand before seeing three consecutive collections. At NK store, fashionistas can look forward to well-edited selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories from renowned international designers such as Marc Jacobs, Catherine Malandrino, Luella by Luella Bartley, Stella McCartney, Missoni, Mulberry, Sass and Bide, as well as Paige.
Also available here are collections from renowned Brazilian designers namely London-based Issa by Daniella Issa Helayel, which is famous for her exotic and modern prints incorporated on luxurious silk jersey dresses, Ana Rocha and Appolinario, Francesca Giabbi, Jack Vartanian, Juliana Jabour, Neon, Marcelo Quadros, RSVPurse, and Zidi, as well as two in-house labels - NK and TalieNK to list a few. For fashion-conscious fitness buff, NK Store also carries contemporary and stylish fitness apparels by Stella McCartney for Adidas, Puma, and Nike.
After taking your entire day picking the latest pieces, retreat to the exclusive Cliquot Bar. Touted as the first in entire America continent, the bar is located on the second floor of NK Store and serves none other than luxurious chilled Veuve Cliquot champagnes.
Accessible via an exclusive elevator, the bar was conceptualized and realized by renowned Brazilian architect Leonardo Mancenido and features a cool decor integrating demolition wood on both wall and floor, accompanied by furnitures in Veuve Cliquot's signature color - yellow and black.
To experience a refine shopping experience in a contemporary retail ambiance on your next trip to São Paulo, remember to pay a visit NK Store and you will immediately fall in love with it.
*Photos courtesy of NK Store.
NK Store - 34, Rua Sarandi, Jardins, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Here I am at a sexy French cafe, reading and flipping pages of fancy French mag with a glass of iced lemon tea and fresh tuna croissant sandwich.
Passing by are avid shoppers holding shopping bags of various colors and sizes, and wearing oversized sunnies as if they were the reincarnations of late Jackie O. Behind me were a group of ladies enjoying their bottles of Orangina (so French!) and a couple of fruit tartlets.
Even though they were enjoying themselves, one of them started whining about how tired she was dressing in mainstream labels. She could no longer taking it and she wanted a new set of cutting-edge, understated, and quirky set of wardrobes and accessories that reflects her true personality. This is totally a common dilemma among young girls who refuse to replicate their mother's penchant on big fashion names (think Dior).
Well, if you are in the same situation and looking for solution, Lush Icon is right answer for you. Leave all your fashion woes behind because Lush Icon offers you a selection of fashionable delicacies that's too hard to resist. Founded by two sisters Pooi Ching and Rachel Khiew, the idea surfaced when the sisters were tired of the generally apathetic services and sterile environments offered by the local retail scenes.
Soon the siblings began to create a blueprint of a new yet exciting retail concept which combines welcoming and vibrant atmosphere with fun and friendly services. Thrown into the package as well are attractive couture pieces debuting for the first time in Malaysian fashion scene.
Such innovative retail idea is then realized and christened as the Lush Icon. Among fashionable labels that you'll be hard to resist at the Lush Icon are stunning couture pieces from Spanish fashion illustrator turned designer Jordi Labanda, fashion wunderkind Karen Walker, Singapore's Hansel, Nice Day and Nice Things from Spain, Aussie's Tribu accessories and Californian chic Dogeared Jewelry.
To international fashion and art connoisseurs, Jordi Labanda needs no further introduction and the sight of his illustrations are obviously seen in many international publications such as Tatler, Wallpaper and even the US VOGUE.
Born in Mercedes, Uruguay, Labanda lived in Barcelona, the Spanish artistic capital since he was three. In 1993, he began his career as commercial illustrator after completing his studies in Industrial Design, followed by global media exposure two years later. Working in gouache on paper, his illustrations depicts classic modern characters and settings lavish styles that reflects a new concept of modernity.
Today, his portfolio expanded to various types of products including ready-to-wear, accessories and couture pieces. Must buy from Jordi Labanda are alluring graphic tees featuring his infamous feminine illustrations, available in a plethora of colors.
Unpretentious and highly original styles are trademarks of Karen Walker designs. Born in New Zealand, Walker's designs are inspired by the "outsider" culture and combines the best of tailoring and street wear to create a unique set of high-casual fashions.
At the same time Walker's creations is a collection of extremes - masculinity and femininity, luxury and non-luxury, street and tailored - all bounded together to produce exciting couture pieces that exudes exuberance and amazement.
Among celebrities who are frequently spotted wearing Walker's creations in the spotlight are Icelandic singer Bjork, Aussie's award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, singer/actress/entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez, model/actress Liv Tyler and the ultimate mother of reinvention, pop queen Madonna, who were all have pledged their allegiance to the comfort of Karen Walker's couture.
If you are an avid fan of Six Feet Under, Charmed, or The O.C, the sight of Dogeared Jewelry should be an inevitable one. Handcrafted with loving care from Venice, California, Dogeared Jewelry are quirky and full of excitement.
From funky earrings in dipped gold and sterling silver, circle necklaces, house blessings (a decorative item to bless the house by hanging it within the house) to even shopping bags with peace symbol and description of Karma printed on it, as they said, there's everything for everyone from Dogeared.
Other hot stuff that should give any established names a run on their money are ready-to-wear pieces from young Singaporean brand Hansel which is exclusive to the store, girlie tops and accessories with embellishments and graphic prints from Nice Day and Nice Things, two separate labels produced by Intermalla Group of Spain, and last but not least, embrace the Australian heritage to your style with Tribu's line of hip accessories.
Word has it that Lush Icon is bringing in another Spanish illustrator-turned-designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada into their range of labels. Known for her audacious fashion illustration, de la Prada's collection reflects her vivacious and eccentric side of her. You will fall in love with her fashion range once you see them, believe me!
Ready to dump those old-seasoned clothes from the world-dominating names for the understated luxe? Well, do whisked yourself off to Lush Icon to experience the new style of retail therapy.
*Photos courtesy of Lush Icon, Jordi Labanda, Karen Walker and Dogeared Jewelry.
Lush Icon - M-23, Mezzanine Level, Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
I
f you are planning for a vacation or already in the middle of your vacation in Los Angeles, tired of shopping in stores with usual ultra-modern decor, somber color scheme and bad choice of clothings, and wanted something different from the usual, then head to Milk.
Owned by Bari Milken, a former dancer and daughter of American financier Michael Milken and cousin Marni Flans, who previously worked with Fox's publicity department, Milk is the true shopping destination for any avid shoppers who love to shop all the time.
Tucked in the West Third Street, the 1800-sq ft. store is an infusion of literature, jazz, jet-set lifestyle all combined together to create Milk. The boutique too offers you an innovative shopping experience known as intellectual-chic like no other in Hollywood or Los Angeles.
"The goal of Milk, is to be a one-stop shop," says Marni Flans of the chic boutique. "We want you to be able to find everything from clothes to books, to shoes, jewelry and beauty products."
The boutique interior, which was designed by the girls themselves, features warm and cozy space, as well as a vintage 40's feel that exudes a unique yet antique ambiance for the shoppers to experience.
The exceptional shopping mood, plus an amazing selection of shoes and easy-to-navigate clothing racks got Hollywood royalty Nicole Richie love-struck and counts Milk as one of her favorite jaunts, as featured in Lucky magazine.
"The store has a very vintage-like feel. We wanted it to look and feel like you were shopping in your grandfather's study. We love the old world feel," notes Bari Milken.
Here at Milk, the pieces are tightly edited and you may find the best of all worlds - from America's favorite such as Twelfth Street, Jill Stuart, Geren Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg and Autumn Star, to big names in European fashion industry (Derek Lam, Luella, Aquascutum and Missoni), to internationally acclaimed and hard-to-find designs from Thailand's Sretsis, Giulia Piersanti, Erotokritos, and Sue Stamp.
Apart from ready-to-wear and accessories collection, there are also books from Assouline, Taschen and Phaidon, beauty care products from Jurlique, the purest skincare on earth made from natural active ingredients, K. Hall Designs, Lucid for Pierre Michel, and Australia's Rosie Jane cosmetics.
Looking for gifts? Milk has an array of superb gifts for you to choose from such as the exotic Archipelago candles and Halsea travel sets.
For men, there's a section dedicated to you within Milk with stunning ready-to-wear and accessory pieces from Trovata, Loomstate Jeans, UK's prominent brand Aquascutum, Wrangler jeans and Hyna. Interestingly, the men's section is their personal favorite!
And if you think that kids are forgotten, you're wrong honey because at Milk, even kids get their own share in fashion in the form of terrific yet playful tees from Trunk concert tour tees and Woo.
Fans of Europe-based Derek Lam will be enthralled to know that there are several pieces from its recent collection that can only be bought exclusively in-store. Items include dresses, two handbags and one patent leather clutch.
So, if you are yearning for a new excitement in shopping, then visit Milk to experience the intellectual-chic shopping atmosphere, something that you won't find in the other parts of the world, including Malaysia. Oh, by the way, I need to warn you to bring more cash because you'll be extremely besotted by its extensive choices.
The Milk boutique is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday to Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
*Photos courtesy of Fingerprint Communication. Thanks to Carrie Wick.
Milk - 8209, West Third Street, Los Angeles CA 90048
If there is one place where you would seldom find me, that place would be the menswear store. With the exception of unisex designer boutiques like Gucci or Hermès, I always hate being inside a menswear store.
However, there is one menswear store that caught my attention most since its inception last year and that lucky store is called The Emperor’s New Clothes or TENC.
When I first entered the store, which was late last year, it was the interior – yes, not the clothes – that caught my attention.
But the best part has yet to come. Unique interior décor approach aside, the other major factor that draws horde of fashionistas stampeding into TENC would definitely be its well-edited selection of clothing and accessories brand, thus befitting its quirky name.
Besides premium denim and designer togs, male fashionistas also can look forward to the exciting lineup of accessories and personal furnishings. Selling like hot cakes at the moment is the athletic Blinde sunglasses.
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