Like Father, Like Son

It seems like the “concept store” trend has grown throughout the city since the birth of Playground! down Thonglor, and now our favorite party spot is celebrating its successful one-year birthday with the opening of a new branch specially designed for “urban street style lovers.” The store is called Manga (1/F, Central World, Zone Forum, 02-613-1177/-8. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.manga.com) and takes its name from the Japanese word for comics and animation. Like its big daddy on Thonglor, Manga features almost everything Playground! has in smaller numbers and in a smaller space. The simple raw-cement store has nothing extraordinary to impress but little bright yellow decorative items and funky products displayed all around. Fashionable products take up the most space, as do home décor items, CDs, books, magazines and a large number of toys. Selections are not as varied as Playground!, but mainly focus on hip or limited items from international street brands to attract a younger male clientele. So forget the neaw looks and get Antwerp urbanite with a pair of Vans by Marc Jacobs, Lee Riders jeans, God’s Absent accessories and Nooka watches. Things are not that pricey but have your platinum card on hand just in case.

Like No other

If you are looking for something plain and ordinary, don’t come around here. The latest outlet on the block from London, Ted Baker (1/F, Eden Zone, Central World, 02-646-1388. www.tedbaker.co.uk) provides fine clothing with great quality at reasonable prices. Finely crafted details line every piece and the brand exhibits a deep understanding of customers’ needs, especially its unique jackets. Designed to serve businessmen, The Red Carpet jacket (B22,800) coated with Teflon is perfect for both working hours and after-work parties. Completely waterproof, if someone spills a little wine on it, there’s no need to worry. Ted Baker not only cares for men’s clothing, but makes quality women’s wear as well. Girls love jewelry and so does Ted. Whether it’s Ted’s blouses, skirts, sweaters, dresses or bags, all come in neat cuts with stylish jeweled details. Moreover, all patterns on Ted’s clothes are original. Visit the shop once, and you’ll surely fall in love with its Brit charm.