Smile: Inflight Magazine of Cebu Pacific Air

SHOPS AHOY!

BOUTIQUE MANAGER JOF SERING TAKES YOU THROUGH THE STREETS AND MALLS OF MANILA TO DISCOVER FRESH FASHION RETAIL TALENTS, HOT HIGH-STREET LABELS, AND COOL BARGAINS

168

Said to be lucky numbers by the Chinese, 168 mall brings luck through great bargains for all who shop here. The three-storey building houses 1,000 stalls touting items from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. Here, my two faves: Push Thru. Owner Bobby Barbasa stocks the store with fun, funky, affordable fashions like boy beater tank tops with bird brooches and neon-colored skinny pants. A bonus? You’ll find surplus items from designer brands. 3/F,

168 Mall, Sta. Elena Street corner Soler Street, Binondo, Manila; tel: +63 (02) 922 833 7863

Glamour Studio. Find affordable ruffled shirts, puffed-sleeve blouses, bootleg pants and quilted belts. The shop attracts crowds, so guard your picks or they’ll be grabbed by other shoppers! 3/F,

168 Mall, Sta. Elena Street corner Soler Street, Binondo; tel: +63 (02) 917 532 3448

Cole Vintage

Slip into a Jodi, Scarlet or Parks – some of the uniquely-named dresses that hang in this quaint store. Design duo Aileen Co and Loraine Gotao combine vintage classics with their own personal flair to create fabulous wrap dresses and printed shifts, plus brocade and mod-inspired clutches, leatherette handbags and funky bags.

Definitely a place to score great finds at guilt-free prices – everything is priced south of PHP2500.

3/F East Wing, 50th Avenue, Robinson’s Galleria, Mandaluyong City; tel: +63 (02) 922 896 8585; www.colevintage.multiply.com

Bonne Bouche

Bonne Bouche, which translates from French to “a delicious morsel or mouthful,” is the stylish concoction of three local artists: fashion designer Michi Calica Sotto, shoe designer Emi Jorge and jeweler Elena Bautista. Located in the fairly new, very chichi Greenbelt 5 mall, one comes to Bonne Bouche to be served tidbits of each one’s brilliant style: Michi’s sexy cocktail frocks in silk, Emi’s sensual line of high heels (they’re surprisingly comfortable), and Elena’s very tasteful range of precious pieces. You’ll love how each exclusive design is available only in limited quanties, and you have the option of clothes, shoes and bling made-to-order.

2nd level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City; tel: +63 (02) 484 9989 and +63 (02) 906 579 8815.

jof’s tip

“Wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of, especially in places like 168 mall where fitting rooms are usually improvised. Always try an item on before buying it so as to avoid having to exchange it after purchase”

Central

Hazel Santos and her partners Nick Jonsay and Catherine Cavilte have brought a wide variety of Filipino designers together under one roof. Shoppers favor local labels like Inner Disco and Cat. You’ll also find adorable, little leather toys in metallic colors, which make for fun additions to your shopping bag.

4/F Podium Mall, 18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City; tel: +63 (02) 917 560 6433

La Copa

Owners Melanie Go, Regina Sambalido and Isabel Roces offer local stars and sartorialists a stress-free shopping experience within a boudoir ambience. Their novel approach is to have a stylist on hand to help clueless shoppers make up their minds. Nab pieces from hip, hard-to-find labels such as Tsumori Chisato, Paul and Joe and Rebecca Taylor here.

The Penthouse, Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (beside Mercedes Benz); tel: +63 917 790 7052;

Baul

On the second floor of an apartment complex turned rock-and-roll café and bar, Baul (Filipino for “chest”) started out as a vintage specialty store but now sells new pieces as well. Owned by Camille Villanueva (pictured at right), the store features accessories as well as quirky men’s and women’s clothing. Although some pieces are second-hand, they don’t smell musty and are affordably priced. Rock star wannabe’s, grab a cool band shirt and jam with the real artists at Saguijo Cafe.

2/F, Saguijo Café + Bar + Lounge at 7612 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City; tel: +63 (02) 916 257 4723; www.theyellowdoor.multiply.com

WRITER GEMMA PRICE LOVES HO CHI MINH CITY FOR ITS FRENETIC ENERGY AND UNIQUE SHOPPING FINDS. RIGHT HERE, SHE SHARES HER PICKS FOR THE BEST CLOTHING AND HOME ITEM STORES

Dogma

Many visitors to Vietnam will say that even today, some of its most striking images are the propaganda posters showing the unified families, a productive workforce, and — of course — Uncle Ho himself. These stylized images remain a key part of the government communication throughout the country, and you’ll see them along many of the city’s main thoroughfares, reinforcing nationalistic political ideals and alerting people to current health and economic issues. The early examples that are framed on the walls of this visually arresting boutique are not for sale, but Dogma does have a number of beautifully designed art books (USD40), communist flags (USD2), poster reproductions and postcard prints of the country’s former communist and socialist designs available for sale.

294 Dong Khoi, D1; tel: +84 (0)8 825 6917 and 43 Ton That Thiep, D1; tel: +84
(0)8 821 8019; www.dogmavietnam.com

Labella

Walking through the doors of the charming boutique Labella from the hot city street is like stepping into yesteryear. There are rows of antique oil lamps, extravagant vintage-style hat mannequins, racks of bright garments and ornately-carved wooden mirrors that give way to plush furnishings and a set of softly-lit, cubbyhole changing rooms. The shop’s quaint romanticism is also reflected in its wares: the sweetly feminine floral dresses, elegant hand-woven silk eveningwear (USD79), woolen scarves (USD39), and brightly-colored bead necklaces (USD23) created exclusively for the label by its Vietnamese designer. There’s also a range of well-finished scarves and shirts for men, and upstairs, a second floor of stacked bags and shoes awaits to round off your sophisticated glamour.

85-87 Pasteur, D1; tel: +84 (0)8 823 0172

gemma’s tip

“Be wary of bag snatchers. Wear your strap across your body rather than just off one shoulder. And bring a pen and paper — you’ll need to write things down to make yourself understood”

Gaya

All three levels of this high-end boutique offer luxurious goodies for your home, most made from locally-produced materials adapted for chic modern lifestyles. Established by four designers who’ve made Southeast Asia their home for more than 15 years, the shop’s sophisticated collections showcase the region’s qualities. There are eye-popping kaleidoscopic lacquerware, cast-aluminum lamps, delicately embroidered natural fabrics, rattan and wicker furnishings and hand-stitched silks. Boasting one of the trendiest street addresses in the city, Gaya has been credited with decorating both local and expat homes with an eye for quality and detail since its doors opened in 2003. Basic kitchen utensils cost from USD20, and meticulously crafted furnishings are priced around USD2,000.

39 Ton That Thiep, D1; tel: +84 (0)8 914 3769; www.gayavietnam.com

Ipa Nima

Hong Kong-born litigator and fashionista Christina Yu came to Hanoi in 1995 and after seeing the quality of traditional handicrafts and skill of local artisans, she made Vietnam the home of her own creative aspirations. Ipa Nima was born. Renowned for meticulously ornamented and embellished handbags in flamboyant designs, the brand has honed its reputation for glamour and individuality and garnered a loyal following worldwide. Fans of Ipa Nima’s range of accessories — from cute beaded purses (USD20) and embroidered tapestry bags (USD80) to fur stoles and shrugs (USD285) — include Hilary Rodham Clinton, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Cate Blanchett.

85 Pasteur, D1; tel: +84 (0)8 515 3981; www.ipa-nima.com

Saigon Kitsch

This bright sherbet-tinted shop is packed with colorful 1950s retro print t-shirts, tumblers, chromatic resin Buddhas, and luridly-tinted seashell earrings. The shop is the perfect hunting ground for unique souvenirs, unusual gifts and jewelry. Pick up cute home knick-knacks: floral-print tea trays, coffee mugs, alarm clocks, frisbees, mouse mats, notepads and coasters. And the range of sequined bags, bikinis, beads, bangles and baubles will add sparkle to your day.

43 Ton That Thiep, D1; tel: +84 (0)8 821 8019

MOVIE MARKETING EXEC MAAN VILLAREAL COUNTS INDEPENDENT SHOPPING ENCLAVES IN SINGAPORE AS HER BEST SOURCES FOR QUIRKY HOME ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHES. HERE, SHE SHARES HER FAVORITE HAUNTS

Victoria Jomo

Named for the owner’s children — Victoria, Joyce and Moses — Victoria Jomo carries an eclectic assortment of goods culled from Australia, Thailand, Japan, China, Spain and the US. It’s not just a vintage shop as you’ll find current, trendy items here, too. Choose the whimsical bag that calls your name or the reasonably-priced one-of-a-kind dress from a new designer in the region — no chance of bumping into someone wearing the same outfit!

9 Haji Lane; tel: +65 6298 2469; email: victoriajomo@hotmail.com

Strangelets

Looking to furnish your home with pieces that are beyond the utilitarian mass-produced variety? Pop into this wonderful new shop on Amoy Street. It’s owned by a group of interior designers and architects who had difficulty sourcing the right homeware for their design projects. So they traveled to different cities to find captivating pieces and home accents like stationery from a Japanese designer and one-of-a-kind bowls from Africa.

87 Amoy Street; tel: +65 6222 1456; www.strangelets.sg

maan’s tip

“Don’t forget to bring your appetite for great bargains and flea markets! It’s just too bad you can’t haggle in Singapore”

Living Icon

Once set up as an interior design office, Living Icon branched out and now carries ladies’ clothes, limited edition local accessories, and home décor strategically displayed to blend with the design showroom. The shop is brightly-lit and fragrant, and trying on clothes in the dressing room is pleasant as one is led into the shop-cum-office’s well-designed toilet. The clothes are available in free sizes and also cater to more voluptuous proportions.

They usually stock single piece items, so if you like it, you better buy it!

30 Haji Lane; tel: +65 6220 3556; www.livingiconpl.com

MAAD

MAAD, or Market of Artists and Designers Bazaar, is held every first Saturday and Sunday of the month. Not your usual second-hand fashion-based flea market, it is a treasure trove of handcrafted works by talents old and new. There are eco-friendly creative works and new items as well as exhibits, performances and workshops onsite. Red Dot Design Museum, 28 Maxwell Road; 11am—7pm; www.maad.sg

Dulcetfig

Also one of Haji Lane’s haunts, Dulcetfig offers a primo selection of eye-catching clutches and purses. Adding to the store’s appeal is its range of accessories. It also carries Glamourpuss cosmetics’ Girl2Go collection.

41 Haji Lane; tel: +65 6396 5648; www.dulcetfig.com

Whatever Cafeé

This new age bookshop in Chinatow

n nourishes both body and soul. Browse around the retail area to the tune of soothing music and have your pick of healing crystals, yoga DVDs, meditation CDs, and yoga gear. The café serves up refreshing juices and healthy meals.

20 Keong Saik Road; 9am—10:30pm; Monday – Saturday; tel: +65 6221 0300; www.whatever.com.sg

SOHO ISN’T MERELY THE NIGHTLY STOMPING GROUND FOR HONG KONG’S BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS. SHOPPING ENTHUSIAST EMMA FRENCH TRAWLS SOME HIP BOUTIQUES FOR TREASURES

Select 18

This recently opened Select 18 is like finding oneself in Miss Havisham’s attic of retro kitsch. A kooky selection of vintage and new litters every surface: from bags, to hats, to cigarette cases and jewelry. And if you like this shop, then make the schlep up to Bridges Street where the first Select 18 still resides.

Although a little more bijoux than its newer counterpart, the selection of both men’s and women’s clothing is wider and real bargains can be found. Plus, the heartbreakingly trendy staff is happy to take pieces in good condition off your hands.

M/G Floor, Lee Roy Commercial Building, 57—59 Hollywood Road (entrance on Peel Street); tel: +852 2545 9932

Fang Fong

This well-loved boutique among soho-cialites is just the right mix of boho and chic. Everything has a slightly vintage vibe but no mothball smells linger. Boasting all original designs, its specialty is eye-catching dresses in unique prints and bold patterns.

The shop even offers an alteration service if something is too long or doesn’t quite fit.

Stock moves fast here so if you fall in love with something, buy now and think later. You have been warned.

67A Peel Street; tel: +852 3105 5557

Homeless

Homeless stocks gadgets and gizmos from designers around the world. Be sure to visit the shop’s graphic designer, Carrie Chau, whose gallery is down the street. Her original pieces sell for tens of thousands of dollars, but the illustrated postcards, t-shirts and matchboxes are more affordable.

7 and 29 Gough Street; tel: +852 2581 1880/2581 1110; www.homelessconcept.com

emma’s tip

“Flat shoes are a must on Soho’s steep slopes — it’s impossible to walk down these hills in high heels and retain any shred of dignity. Visit an ATM before you get to Soho (the closest is on Lyndhurst Terrace); the area is devoid of cash points”

A FAN OF ALL THINGS CHIC AND CHEAP, WRITER DEEPA PAUL-PLAZO HUNTS DOWN SERENDIPITOUS BARGAINS IN SEOUL, A CITY WHERE CUTE IS A SCIENCE AND FASHION A PASSION

Codes Combine

This popular Korean chain carries Seoul street style and innerwear that’s Yohji Yamamoto lite: deconstructed styles with unconventional details and super-soft fabrics thin enough to layer or wear in tropical climes. Prices range from KRW58,000 (USD56.52) for basic tops to KRW198,000(USD192.95) for jackets, trousers and dresses. Sale items can go as low as KRW19,000(USD18.51).

53-11 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu; www.codes-combine.co.kr

Artbox

Paper fiends will go gaga at this chain store that takes stationery and supplies to ultra-cute heights. Quirky illustrations and idiosyncratic Engrish phrases adorn sticky notes from KRW2,000(USD2), notebooks and journals from KRW3,500(USD3.51) and up, and day planners, KRW6,500(USD6.33) and up.

Branches are located all over Seoul

Kim’s Boutique

Kim’s Boutique stands out with its eye-catching display of lacquered Korean chests, antique chandeliers and mirrored birdcages. Dresses by Seoul sisters Kim Sara and Kim Sora are available in a range of styles, and are priced from KRW38,000(USD37) and will flatter anyone from skinny waifs to European size 16s.

Near Itaewon Market, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-ku

Doota

The 1,400-plus shops at Doota are stellar, especially if the urge to splurge strikes after 10pm. Hunt for bargains as low as KRW10,000 (USD9.74) from Korean designers.

Doosan Tower, outside Dongdaemun metro station exit 4; tel: (82) 3398 3333; www.doota.com