This French brand from the heir to the Lacoste founder represents a Parisian rock and bohemian sensibility—torn T-shirts, glittery sequin jackets and studded ankle boots. Sadly, you’ll need to take a three-hour flight to Hong Kong if you want to visit the nearest boutique.

The Bangkok alternatives: Local label Soda deals in a similarly bohemian style. Women should check out the snake embroidered T-shirt (B2,900) and a hippie black blouse (B3,750). For guys, opt for 24:01's flap pocket blouson (B1,290).

 

Want to buy a new pair of skinny jeans while ogling hot salespeople in muscle fit T-shirts? In most Asian cities, you’d go to Hollister. But not in Bangkok, where the California-born casual-wear brand has yet to appear.  

The Bangkok alternatives: Department store regular CC Double O takes big influence from the same kind of well-worn Americana style. Here, a pair of jeans will set you back B2,290. 

 

Heaven for lovers of minimalist chic. This progeny of Swedish giant H&M offers a clean-cut, subtly designed wardrobe with a meticulous approach to fabric at an affordable price, like straight selvedge jeans and trendy wrap-over leather sneakers for under B4,000. 

The Bangkok alternatives: Japan’s fast-fashion kingpin, Uniqlo, often takes serious cues from COS’s look of Scandinavian minimalism. Best of all, it’s affordable, with block color jackets starting from just B2,990.

 

Despite the brand’s recent string of reinventions and stagnant sales, we continue to long for its fabric-driven basics and quality workmanship at a reachable price point

The Bangkok alternatives: Looking for men’s shirts of the finest quality? Go grab a herringbone check shirt for B3,890 at JBB*. For womenswear with a playfully preppy edge, check out the sailor-style striped blouse at the online Pomelo.

 

The logo tote bag from this British designer has been a hit among Thai teens for years. But since the only store out of Europe is in Tokyo, we still have to get them from our friends when they go on holiday. 

The Bangkok alternative: Danish furniture maker Hay has its own line of cotton totes for B1,290. Choose yours with either a basic logo or print design.