From gloriously out-there ethnic prints to centuries-old Asian objet d'art, here's where to connect with global cultures and exotic locations in and around the city.
Brought to you by Bombay Sapphire
Embrace that perfectly imperfect, been-everywhere, done-everything Gypset look with the beautifully boho new Urban Nomads collection from Soda. Layered ethnic prints have never looked better than in this dreamy collection of loose-fitting maxi-dresses, wrap-around skirts and billowing gowns that embrace cultural influences from Turkey to Tel Aviv, Abuja to the Arab states.
Soda, 1/F, EmQuartier, 02-00-6624. BTS Phrom Phong
Head to Charoenkrung Soi 30, follow the road around and take a left just before the Sheraton hotel and you'll find one of the most extraordinary private collections of antiques in Bangkok. Fifty Years Arts & Antiques has actually been open a little longer than its name suggests, and is frequented by top interior designers from across the globe looking to give their clients' homes that well-traveled, culturally-curious look. Even if you aren't buying, it's an incredible place just to nose around—which you're welcome to do via appointment on 02-267-2297.
Fifty Years Arts & Antiques, Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-267-2297. Open by appointment
Head to the fourth floor of a drab looking office building on Thonglor and you’ll find one of the most colorful bars in town: Bombay Blues. Slip off your shoes and step inside to be surrounded by crimson and orange drapes that form a gigantic chandelier, floors peppered in ethnic rugs and intimate piles of cushions that serve as seats. The Indian food here is wonderful, but if you simply want a drink and to puff on some shisha, there’s also an equally exotic outdoor terrace on which to repose.
Bombay Blues, 4/F, Opus Building, 139 Thonglor Soi 10, 085-859-1515. Open daily 5pm-midnight
When Wonderfruit festival arrived in Thailand in 2014, it broke the mould of what a music festival should be, foregoing cookie-cutter bands and DJs in favor of an eclectic, worldly collection of musicians and artists drawn from all cultures. This year’s festival, taking place just outside Pattaya on Dec 17-20, is no different. From surreal three-dimensional sculpture from Madrid-based artist Sabek and garden installations by French Laotian artist Aligna, to ethnic craft workshops and a Chinese opera stage.
For ticket information visit wonderfruitfestival.com
Juniper from Tuscany, cassia bark from Indo-China, Grains of Paradise from West Africa—the new Bombay Sapphire Twist is a perfect amalgamation of taste sensations from around the world. All these exotic botanicals come together in the home of Bombay Sapphire, London, itself a melting pot of cultural influences, to create an extraordinarily original London dry gin (that’s a gin where all the botanicals are added during distillation).
Get a taste of this exotic new creation at Fatbird on Soi Ari, which has created a special selection of cocktails that take inspiration from each of the exotic botanicals found in a bottle of Bombay Sapphire Twist.
Fatbird, Phahon Yothin Soi 7 (Soi Ari), 02-619-6609. BTS Ari
Brought to you by Bombay Sapphire
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