The Society of Black Sheep

Amid the stuffy and more “proper” high-end labels here, this indie boutique stands out for its unpredictable and quirky mix of clothes, shoes and accessories; spanning underground labels like Sydney’s Mjolk, Injury and Friedrich Gray, Helsinski’s Minna Parikka and London’s People’s Market, Atalanta Weller and Lungta de Fancy. “We put the clothes together with a thought for the individual who appreciates incongruity, but prefers to express their uniqueness in a subtle way,” says owner Lim Li Hsien. Peppered throughout are a compelling mix of deconstructed and distressed pieces from Friedrich Gray’s Dislocation collection, Lungta De Fancy’s romantic styles, and wearable, casual pieces and shoes from House of Holland and Bstore.

Porsche Design Store

The first Porsche Design Store to carry its full range of accessories and ready-to-wear collection outside of Europe, this spacious boutique is fitted with modern display shelves crafted from metal and glass, highlighting the brand’s “Iconic Style” philosophy. Housing the complete luxury collection from Porsche Design, you’ll find an extensive range of womenswear and menswear debuting here. Take your pick from the much sought-after leather jackets, premium jeans, trendy sunglasses, chic watches and gadgets.

Dior Homme

Arguably the most eye-catching boutique in the mall (blame the bright white neon display lights juxtaposed against the black exterior, this is where contemporary fashion designer Kris Van Assche’s well-made men’s line for the luxury label can be found. Although an offshoot of the original store at ION Orchard, the Shoppes’ edition is more exclusive and inviting. A selection of limited edition wallets ($900 upwards) are stocked here alongside Van Assche’s Autumn/Winter collection spanning cowboy-inspired hats, red cardigans, baggy pants and preppy shirts, pants and jackets—all very trendy and luxe.

Robinsons

One of the biggest fashion and health and beauty tenants at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, spanning 20,800 sq. ft. of space, offering various store exclusives for the ladies. Very spacious and well-lit, highlights here include coveted Repetto ballet shoes, separates by Korea-based Eryn Brinie and Paris-based Tila March, funky pumps by Irregular Choice and standalone corners for classic brands like Ted Baker and Coast. Considering that the rest of the mall is pretty high-end, Robinsons is a good bet for ladies who’ve maxed out their cards but still want to look good.

Alleira

Expect a gorgeous collection of contemporary women’s ready-to-wear and cocktail apparel here. Inspired by oriental batik print Alleira may be, but the designs are edgy, but not tacky. All products are hand painted and 100 percent batik. The cocktail collection ($300 upwards) mainly uses luxe fabrics such as quality chiffon and silk to amp up the glam factor, with pieces so versatile they’d be perfect for either your friend’s wedding dinner or a night at the race.

French Connection UK

The industrial-inspired floor of the 1,600 sq. ft. space sets the mood, making it one of the more accessible boutiques in the building: Womenswear at the front, and menswear at the back of the store. While there’s a plethora of blazers, blouses and dresses to browse, ladies should keep an eye out for more luxurious pieces like the studded orange see-through dress ($299) and pleated jumpsuits ($279). Guys can choose from a heady range of men’s polo tees ($99), basic black crew-neck T-shirts ($99) and denim hoodies ($169) that make great staples. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for French-inspired chicness without blowing your budget.

Peaceful Town

Nan

After Pai, it was Chiang Khan. And after Chiang Khan, it will be Nan. For those constantly searching for tranquil towns that haven’t yet popped up on the radars of Bangkokians, the Lanna capital is the new go-to destination. If you’re in town, apart from Wat Phumin where you’ll see the legendary love story depicted in the “Pu Man Ya Man” wall frescoes, don’t forget to park yourself at Baan Khun Luang Cafe (Pa Kong Rd., 081-998-1127), just across the street, for a cup of coffee with a view of the temple. And if you can afford it, stay at the newly renovated Pukha Nanfa Hotel (www.pukhananfahotel.co.th, from B2,500 a night), a cute all-wood house.
Why now: The year-end is when the green hills of Khun Sathan National Park turn pink due to the Phaya Suea Krong flower blossoms. It’s also the time when pale pink Pukha flowers, that only grow here, will blossom at Doi Pukha National Park.
Getting there: Nok Air started operating daily flights between Bangkok and Nan this year. A round trip ticket is from around B4,000.

Green Voyage

Mon Cham, Chiang Mai

It’s the new darling of TAT commercials, travel blogs and Thai webboards. This lush hilltop plateau nestled within the Nong Hoi Royal Project in Chiang Mai is incredibly picturesque. So picturesque in fact that a Royal Projects team recently set up the Moncham Camping Resort, where tourists can enjoy camping in a tent, lodging in bamboo huts while having meals cooked fresh from Royal Project ingredients or just enjoying the view with a cup of warm coffee.
Why now: The cool winter weather allows for misty morning views—the ultimate romantic setting.
Getting there: Mon Cham is in Maerim district in Chiang Mai. Nok Air, AirAsia, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways fly daily to Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai Town, it’s less than an hour’s drive. Use Chiang Mai Fang Road (No. 107) and turn left to Route No. 1096. Turn right at Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and go straight for around 6km .

World Heritage

Bhutan

The headline news that the charming king of Bhutan is getting married in October has brought this tiny country back into the spotlight of Thailand’s media. Bhutan is known for its unspoiled culture and nature, with the Tiger’s Nest Temple and The Valley of Paro as highlights. It’s also known for only allowing “quality tourists” (no backpackers), which means a stay here will cost you dearly.
Why now: Apart from the royal wedding, note that the US$200 daily spending requirement will be raised to US$230 next year. (This does include your tour package featuring a hotel room, all meals, all transfers and an English speaking tour guide, so is actually what you’d normally spend in any large city.)
Getting there: Druk Air flies direct from Bangkok to Bhutan’s Paro Airport. Bhutan doesn’t allow individual travelers so you need to book through a tour operator, though. See a list of registered operators at www.tourism.gov.bt.

Sacred Spiritual

Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar

Forget the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and the sea of chedis in Bagan: the junta’s political detente has brought a swarm of tourists to those places. Turn your eye further afield to the remote Kyaiktiyo in Mon State. One of the most sacred places in Myanmar, it’s where a few brave travelers clamber up (or decadently have themselves carried in litters) to witness the sacred golden rock teetering off the edge of a cliff. You need to get there from Yangon by either bus or taxi, then get on a truck, and then walk for 45 minutes to reach the entrance of the temple.
Why now: Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is another 1.5-km uphill walk away, so the best time to go is during winter, from Nov-Feb, when the weather is cooler. But if you hurry, the annual Buddhist Lent period ends Oct 2, and is the occasion for a grand festival when pilgrims do a long 18-km walk from the base camp to the hilltop. Read about our recent journey here.
Getting there: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and AirAsia fly daily to Yangon; roundtrip tickets are B12,000, B9,000 and B4,000, respectively.

City of Dreams

Songdo, South Korea

From Hangzhou to Dubai, new city spaces are being dreamed up all over the globe—some more successfully than others. Songdo International Business District is clearly one of the more exciting utopian visions in Asia. American investor Stan Glen started his project from a barren 6-sq-km lot of reclaimed waterfront land in Incheon almost ten years ago. When completed in 2015, Songdo will be home to several high-rise residential complexes and business buildings sitting next to giant green spaces, a golf club, a cultural center, a shopping mall, a hospital, an international school and three hotels. Residents will be transported on bicycles and by public transit and WiMax (a faster Wi-Fi) will be available everywhere. Many constructions are already completed, as is half of the bicycle lane network, and people have been moving in since 2009. If you want to see contemporary architecture in the making, this is one hot destination.
Why now: Songdo is changing every day. And when South Korea hosts The Expo at Yeosu in 2012, you can expect things to get seriously crowded.
Getting there: Thai Airways (from B26,000), Asiana Airlines (from B30,600), Korean Air (from B21,000) and Jin Air (from B16,600) fly direct from Bangkok to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport daily. Rates are for a roundtrip ticket. Songdo IBD is connected to Incheon Airport by a 12.3-km bridge.

Cool Metropolis

Melbourne, Australia

Regularly voted the world’s most livable city, Melbourne boasts a perfect combination of modern urbanism, classic European ambiance, low population density and strong natural preservation. In recent years, Melbourne has also become a more multicultural city with a lot more art events happening all year round. You’ll see a mix of ethnicities hanging out in cool cafes hidden inside tiny alleys, exciting performances and cutting-edge exhibitions. Melbourne is also in the limelight thanks to a bunch of new hotels and restaurants that include Australia’s largest hotel, the Crown Metropole with 658 rooms, three hip Art Series hotels, modern Chinese restaurant Spice Temple as well as the artsy Vue de Monde, which just relocated to the 55th floor of the city’s first skycraper.
Why now: Hate cold temperatures? December till February is Australia’s summer so it means you will enjoy exploring Melbourne’s streets in tank tops and board shorts.
Getting there: Jet Star and Thai Airways fly daily fom Bangkok to Melbourne with a roundtrip ticket from B25,600 and B55,220, respectively.

Cultured Europe

Barcelona, Spain

We were there this summer (read the story here) and Barcelona is a city you never want to leave. Are you a foodie? Amazing Michelin-star chefs cook seven-course wonders for under B2,500. Are you an art snob? Picasso and Miro both have huge museums there—not to mention the National Museum’s extensive collection spanning the centuries. Architecture? Don’t even get us started. Or do you just want to have an affair in a foreign land? Because, let’s face it, the combination of late, late night living, amazing tapas (enjoyed with booze), beaches and, well, good genes, means what we love best about Barcelona is the people.
Why now: Because Spaniards are Roman Catholics, Christmas actually means more than well-decorated malls here. Cool (but not freezing, thanks to the sea) weather. Lower hotel rates (this is low season).
Getting there: There’s no direct flight from Bangkok. Air France gets you there the fastest (15.5 hours) via Paris starting at B40,000 roundtrip. On the other hand, Finnair gets you the cheapest deal (from B32,245 roundtrip), but that means a 25-hour flight via Helsinki.

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Akyra Chura

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, 02 514 8112, www.theakyra.com
Akyra is like a small Japanese village sitting on a pristine beach—two-story traditional style wooden houses outside, raw cement and generous use of blonde wood inside. Not only is it blessed with the island’s whitest sand and clearest waters, its sake bar is a great way to unwind. Rates are from B3,210.

Akatsuki

Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui, 077 485 704, www.akatsuki-resort.com
Meaning “dawn” in Japanese, Akatsuki offers an uber private resort experience as you need to hire the whole resort, which means five traditional Japanese-style suites (yes, it’s a trend), a spa with therapists, a restaurant with private chef and butlers. Rates are from US$2,000 (B59,670) per night for a maximum of 17 guests through Dec 31.

Baan Narupakorn

31/22 Soi Hua Hin 83, Hua Hin, 032 515 879, www.baannarupakorn.com
Another old bourgeois home turned into a pretty resort. Baan Narupakorn has combined a retro British style, a 60s Hua Hin beach house and minimalist contemporary architecture to create a warm and welcoming ambiance in all of its 10 rooms. Rates are from B2,500.

Conrad Koh Samui

49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Rd., Koh Samui, 077 915 888, www.conradkohsamui.com
Last year the big new names on Samui were Banyan Tree and W. This year, Conrad bacomes the latest addition to the fellowship of high-end resorts in Koh Samui. Eighty luxurious villas perched on a remote cliff are tucked away at the southwest tip of the island, offering picturesque sunset views from their individual terraces—not to mention Conrad’s standards of luxury. Rates are from B20,000 for a one-bedroom ocean-view villa.

Glur Ao Nang

591 Moo 2, Soi Ao Nang 11/1, Muang, Krabi, 075 695 297, www.krabiglurhostel.com
It seems like it’s all about luxury these days. Did everyone (except us) win the lottery? Mere mortals will be happy to hear that there’s a new budget solution in Krabi. A minimal white-and-raw cement building resting underneath coconut trees, Ao Nang’s only hostel has accommodation ranging from an 8-bed dorm to a double-bed room with en-suite bathroom. You don’t get the beachside location for these prices, but if you can ride a motorbike, the sand is just five minutes away. Rates are from B350 per bed.

Sheik Istana Hotel

10/1 Moo 3, Padad Rd., Muang, Chiang Mai, 053 273 142, www.skeikistanahotel.com
The newest theme hotel in Chiang Mai, on the bank of the Ping River, adopts Hua Hin’s now tired and slightly obnoxious Moroccan trend. All 35 rooms are painted in colorful hues and decked out with Arabian-style details—which makes perfect sense in the heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Rates are from B2,300.

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Starbucks VIA: Italian Roast

B350 for a pack of 12 sachets. B29/cup
Surprisingly nice and complex: fruity and floral on the nose and pleasantly rich and bitter. It’s the stronger of the two Starbucks coffees, making it harder for all to appreciate.

Moccona Select

B99 for 180g. B1.1/cup
Ugh. It has that weird metallic taste that gives instant coffee a bad name: something between soap and burned popcorn. There’s not much going on here in terms of flavor beyond the bitterness.

Nescafe Red Cup

B63 for 100. B1.26/cup
We kept variables the same: one teaspoon of instant coffee per small cup. But despite all things being equal, this one tasted extremely watered down and gross, like sipping some dish water.

Khao Chong

B115 for 200g. B1.15/cup
Noticeably more complexity and richness than the other, non-Starbucks instant coffees in this test. The Khao Chong is chocolaty and doesn’t have that gross metallic acidity common with most of the others. If you’re looking at cost, Khao Chong is a winner in its category.

Moccona Espresso

B99 for 120g. B1.65/cup
Easily the most disgusting of the lot. Contrary to what you might expect of an instant coffee labelled “espresso”, this one lacks in both aroma and flavor.

Nescafe Red Cup Espresso

B31 for 40g. B1.5/cup
Same thing here: no body and a kind of acidic-metallic sourness. Clearly the “espresso” label both for Nescafe and Moccona suggests more one-dimensional bitterness. If you have to have them, stick to the regular variety.

Starbucks VIA: Colombia Roast

B350 for a pack of 12 sachets at Starbucks. B29/cup
Starbucks is 20 times more expensive than cheapo brands. Twenty! But clearly it should be compared to fresh drip coffee, not instant ones. It is rich and pleasantly bitter, full-bodied and has a nice, masculine spiciness to it. Unlike other instant coffees in this test, it offers a great deal more than just bitterness to cut your cream and sugar with, and can be drunk black.
What is Instant Coffee?

We’re getting a little tired of mentioning how new community malls remind us of Palio in Khao Yai. Still, The Circle Ratchapruk has also embraced with the whole concept of an Italian-inspired shopping village. But we don’t mind too much: we still prefer The Circle to Palio, because there’s no need to drive three hours to take in the faux European atmosphere. As for the shops, it’s hit or miss: there are a lot more than at Palio, but only some are true gems. Not that the hordes of suburban moms and hi-so residents seem to mind.
The place is divided into four zones: Main Street, Basil Street, which is where most of the restaurants are, Orchid Street, and Fern Finale, which largely has fashion boutiques and ladies’ accessories.

Our favorite by far is Fern Finale, where all the fashion shops are, focusing mainly on women’s wear and brand name accessories. We adore the vintage swimming suits (starting from B3,000) from Bling Bling and its own chic-abbaew styles. All with quality comparable to Thai designer brands like Greyhound since they hire the same tailoring company to do the cutting. You might be a bit disappointed though if you expect more of this, since 90 percent of the shops only stock imported Korean outfits and brand name bags (both new and secondhand).

Orchid Street is a bit random, though there are a few craft-style shops like Momotara and Nukoy selling knitting and scrapbook accessories. There’s also Scissors, a modern hair salon that’s been endorsed by many Thai celebs like Pancake and Lula. Shampoo and dry starts at just B150 only and it’s B350 for a haircut. Orchid Street also houses a few spas.

We don’t recommend spending too much time on Main Street, although it does have some necessities, such as a Tops Daily supermarket, a pharmacy and small bank branches. Foodwise, there are some cheap and cheerful chains like Seefah, Miss Mamon (which sells cakes and pearl tea) and a McDonald’s Drive-Thu (open 24/7). Other than that, it’s lots of cafes, a few laundry shops and a yoga studio. There is, however, a cute shop, Print Thing, which sells tablet and phone cases, and you can even have them print pictures and graphics onto anything you want for B200.

Basil Street, too, is home to mostly chain restaurants like Banana Leaf, Katsu King, MK, Scoozi and Tohkai Yakiniku. There’s also the new brand somtam place, Somtum Dokrak which serves healthy Isaan food starting from B80 for somtam Thai pooh. Most exciting, however, is the Korean buffet at Kimju (B288 for pork and chicken and B388 to also get beef and seafood).

Shops aside, there are little kiosks all over the place. Try Kum-Kom where Thai traditional toys and stationeries are turned into very cool gifts, starting B39.
39 Moo 13, Ratchapruk Rd., 02-865-6850. www.thecircle.co.th. Open daily 9am-10pm

Hard Rock Cafe

If you’re on the prowl for some bawdy, uproarious humor, drag queen Kumar’s shtick ought to do it. (S)he performs here every Monday with a cabaret-themed show that never fails to tickle your funny bone, no matter how many times you have been to one of her shows. Admission is $16++, inclusive of one drink.
Every Mon, 11:15pm.

Home Club

Comedy Masala comes a day late to combat the Monday blues but we aren’t complaining. This weekly Tuesday stand-up night, hosted by resident funnyman Umar Rana (whose alter ego is a banker), has seen a fair share of comedic talent take the stand, including Emmy-nominated actor Rob Schneider. Admission is $10, inclusive of one drink. All-night happy hour specials should give you ample liquid courage to strut your zany one-liners on stage.
Every Tue, 8pm.

Blu Jaz

Established and upcoming stand-ups converge right here every second Wednesday of the month. The chilled-out Bohemian vibe of this Kampong Glam establishment complements massive laughathons. This season’s lineup features the likes of Australia’s Ro Campbell, and the UK’s Matt Kirshen and Janice Phayre. Tickets are $15 and available from www.thecomedyclub.asia.
Every Wed, 8pm.

Covering nearly a century of work dating back to that of Surrealist Man Ray’s La Priére (featuring the rear of artist Lee Miller, his lover and muse), and right up to Bus Stop, a contemporary LED-inspired piece by MIT-trained engineer-turned-artist Jim Campbell, this is a must for all photography aficionados.

Co-curator Andrew Herdon says of the exhibition, “[It] plays with the notion of “point and shoot” amateur photography, and by twisting the words, denotes a sense of the artists in this exhibition as authors and the viewer as a witness.”

The extraordinary collection includes Yasumasa Moimura’s To My Little Sister, a homage to Cindy Sherman’s recently auctioned $3.8 million untitled portrait (the world’s most expensive photograph). His piece explores cultural and sexual appropriation as he inserts his own portrait into the work.

Despite the often controversial subject matter in the pieces (you’ll discover a Braille edition of Playboy) and the starkly dark early works of the infamous Larry Clark, the overarching theme is the way that photographers have experimented and explored innovative ways to capture events.

If you want to take a piece of photographic history home, you can for anything from $2,500 to a whopping $1,450,000.

Shoot & Point runs through Oct 1 at Ikkan Art Gallery.

You’ve likely heard the term “early adopter.” You’re probably one yourself. According to Tammy Chan, Marketing Manager for Atlas Sound and Vision, if you’re “often quick to try out the newest products in the market, ask for specifications for comparison and are highly selective,” then you’re typical of the Singaporean tech consumer. Congratulations—you’re keeping the industry here on its toes.

Tech is clearly big, big business in Singapore. Last week alone saw the debut of six new smartphones by Nokia and Blackberry and a flurry of activity at Suntec for the monster that is the Comex consumer tech exhibition. At times, it feels like we’re already living in some weird, wired world of the future. But with a market that’s seemingly swamped, and savvy consumers who think they know it all already, how do the big brands plan to stay ahead? The answer appears to be with luxurious, immersive environments, showcasing high-end products before they even hit the market. Forget your regular store or dull-as-dishwater service center, welcome to the world of the experiential tech showroom.

There are now some half dozen of these concept spaces around the city, with newcomer Loewe Gallery set to add to the pile, when it officially launches later this year. Each of them offers something slightly different; all try to engage the consumer, be they novice or pro, to a more personalized degree than was historically the case.

For Eugene Goh, Head of Sony Ericsson Singapore, selling a tech brand here now requires something more sophisticated than simply shouting about your latest specs. It is, he says, key to “deliver a ‘wow’ factor and bring to life the consumer experience.” So people who visit the Sony Ericsson Concept Store can “interact with the display, and see how the [products] make people smile.”

Over at the Samsung Flagship Store, consumers can pick up and share technical tips, with free workshops offered if you purchase products. Says their VP for Sales and Marketing, Irene Ng, the company is striving to service sophisticated customers, “on the lookout for gadgets that help them live smarter.”

Meanwhile, the Windows Experience Zone boasts brand agnostic “Microsoft Captains” who can assist even the most tech illiterate customer. MD Jessica Tan explains that these staff members are “experts on picking which software suits the customer’s needs best but don’t show favoritism to any particular brands,” meaning you don’t need to know the first thing about tech before you step through the doors.

There’s clearly some smart marketing tactics at play here, with lots of talk of “brand familiarization” and the chance to learn about “well-connected systems.” By offering a pressure-free environment—some of these showrooms don’t even let you buy, meaning no-one’s hassling you to sign on the line—brands can soften consumers up, so that when they eventually do make a purchase they have warm, fuzzy memories of that afternoon they spent playing with the latest toys.

And if it’s softly-softly with one hand, the other hand is busy hitting consumers over the head with a big, expensive stick: Most people could never afford the kind of elaborate, integrated systems on display; but by “wowing” them (that word again) with the brand’s full potential, it’s possible that a customer leaves the store dazzled and dazed by what they’ve just seen, and lusting after a part of it, however small.

But, especially at the best of these experiential showrooms, that wow factor really is undeniable. And they’re free to enter, after all. Even if you’re not looking to buy (come on, when was the last time you could say that with a straight face?), they’re fascinating places to spend an hour or two, marveling at what money can now bring you. Enter them with an open mind, and a tight hand on your wallet, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Bose @ MW

Opened: May 2009
The buzz: Ever wondered if a home theater system could really be worth a five-figure sum? This is where to come to find out.
The vibe: So zen you could meditate. The products might kick ass, but the atmosphere is laidback and the décor understated. Home theater systems are set up to make you feel like you’re back at yours, whilst portable speakers and headphones adorn their own sleek counters. If you want to get straight into what’s new, just head straight to the back (look for the word ‘Theatre’ etched out in gold letters). There are also two sound-proofed glass rooms where you can kick back, relax and enjoy all the audiovisual goodness without the world outside encroaching.
The goods: By far the most impressive technology on show is the VideoWave ($9599) which you can experience in its full glory in the theater room. It’s the world’s only speakerless surround sound home theatre system, with all 16 speakers packed into the 1080p television module; and this is the only place to buy it. For something more affordable, check out the famous wireless QC3 Noise Cancelling headphones ($699), alongside a vast range of more modest speakers and accessories.
Why you should come here: For the theater, of course; even if owning your own home-ent system is still a pipedream. But also because high-end products like Bose really are best appreciated as part of a holistic system.

LG Live

Opened: May 2011
The buzz: It’s LG’s first showroom in Asia, and it’s inside the latest contender for Singapore’s most opulent shopping destination. What’s not to like? (Yeah, yeah, the canals and gondolas. We know.)
The vibe: Cyber-minimalist. It’s about half the size of a football field, but it’s white and glaring all round with splashes of black and red from the products and sparse furnishing. It’s pretty “hands-free” too; you can linger for a good 15 minutes and no one even approaches you. When you’re ready though, there are leaflets and brochures at every section, and three or more assistants on standby—more than enough for the trickle of walk-ins they receive at any one time. And the touchscreen directory by the door means you’ll never get lost.
The goods: The various stations (there are four in all, including sections for handphone and kitchen displays) change on a seasonal basis. At the moment, the focus is on the 3D experience. If you’re into that sort of thing, check out their cinema setup, which comes complete with vertical 3D sound, a dual subwoofer and a cinema dome effect.
Why you should come here: The seasonal rotation is quite cool, but frankly there’s nothing particularly special about the experiential aspect of the store—you’re probably better off popping into the electronics section of a regular department store, for a better variety from the brand and displays that let you fiddle with the knobs just as well. If you’re a fan of LG, you’ll appreciate that they show you the latest products but that’s about it.

Samsung Flagship Store

Opened: Dec 2006
The buzz: One of the first experiential showrooms to have opened in Singapore, with several other outlets throughout Asia, this interactive space ranks high on the fun chart.
The vibe: The layout of the store, along with its clean island displays, conjures up unhappy memories of being dragged around Best Denki. But bear with it. Roughly the same size as the LG Live store, most of the space is gaming arcade, with people crowding around the terminals to watch the action.
The goods: Each terminal or “zone,” features full high definition and 3DTV displays, as well as stereo headsets so that you can experience Samsung’s full suite of products as you sweat it out in, say, a virtual tennis game. If it’s merely visual stimulation you’re after, try their nine-screen video wall on for size. The same space is also used for educational workshops on topics like basic photography and the evolution of the 3D TV.
Why you should come here: Terminal hopping here can be highly stress-relieving (and ultimately addictive) and gives you a sense of what works for you and what doesn’t, even if in the end you choose to go buy a brand other than Samsung.

Sony Ericsson Concept Store

Opened: Renovated Mar 2011
The buzz: This store may be located in the heartlands but it’s also the most recent in Southeast Asia to be redone to reflect the new Sony Ericsson experiential retail concept.
The vibe: The store design takes its cue from the phones themselves—there are play, art and entertainment experience zones set up so you can explore the different aspects of each to find one that best suits your user personality. For example, if you can’t decide if you really need a 3D-enabled camera, there’s a terminal complete with propped up 3D glasses for you to view a 3D video taken with the different Sony models on a flat-screen TV. Such lengthy testing of their products will take a long time so we appreciate that the staff don’t press you to make a purchase.
The goods: Predictably, every new (or newish) phone model is on display here, including the Xperia PLAY ($888), which is the only Playstation enabled smartphone in the world. The 3D hologram display, that gives you a preview of the Sony Ericsson catalogue, including cool product features, is a nice touch.
Why you should come here: If you like Sony Ericsson, you’ll have fun trying out their new phone models (quite a few have been launched in the last six months) in such a no-pressure space. If, on the other hand, you’re the Apple-til-I-die type you really should cast aside your prejudices and come check out the competition; but we all know that’s not going to happen.

*I-S PICK* TripleOne Audiovisual Boutique

Opened: May 2010
The buzz: Singapore’s own Atlas Sound & Vision sets a high bar, with this multi label tech mecca, the only one of its kind here.
The vibe: Even with high expectations, you’ll likely be blown away by the sheer opulence. It’s (oddly enough) modeled after the dance floor of a club, but looks and feels more like an executive condo showflat. While you’re there, check into their pod-like mezzanine level, which displays stunning prototype designs—it’s a bit like looking into the future.
The goods: Slip into one of their Pitagora theater armchairs from Poltrona Frau and see (or hear) where your ears take you—most likely to one of their Loewe or Bose sound systems, which can easily set you back as much as $46,000. They also showcase products from Ad Notam and their in-house brand Noo’ance.
Why you should come here: For their full customer needs analysis; a kind of four-hand massage for the techy part of your brain. And the variety of brands is a real plus—even though most of the Loewe and Bose products are available at the individual boutiques (also owned by Atlas), it does help seeing them hooked up together.

Windows Experience Zone

Opened: May 2011
The buzz: The first Windows space of its kind in Southeast Asia (Thailand will have its one of its own in October), with an area exclusively dedicated to the latest Xbox gadgets.
The vibe: At first glance, the WEZ doesn’t look too impressive. Throughout the store are island displays with four to five different computer models set up on each for comprehensive viewing, so it looks rather like a school computer room. But it’s designed with both the newbie and the discerning geek in mind, making it a really conducive place to “personalize” a purchase. The space is split into sections like Learn, Play and Work, and those unbiased Microsoft Captains really are quite helpful.
The goods: You can buy pretty much whatever you like here, including Windows-enabled laptops and extras like external hard drives and keyboards specially selected from their massive range. Heads-up to all you gamers: The Windows Experience Zone will also be the first place you can try out Gears of War 3, which is slated to launch later this month.
Why you should come here: It’s like an IT fair with all the intimidating stuff and screaming marketers taken out. We were genuinely impressed. Wait til October, and you can also try your hand at their new 100” (that’s more than 2.5 meters!) interactive touchscreen designed to help you navigate the overwhelming number of products. And it’s open all night!

Let’s face facts: Couture fashion is expensive, ranging anywhere from $800-8,000 (and that’s just a ballpark figure). Unless you’re a tai-tai type looking for that one-off dress to wear to a high society ball, chances are you probably couldn’t care less about these mostly over-decorated or over–embellished dresses. Why should you? After all, with high street, mass and imported designer fashion still being de rigeur and way more affordable, there is seemingly no reason for the regular shopper to buy into the trend.

But a small group of couture creators are keeping the scene alive. Apart from stalwarts like Francis Cheong and Ashley Isham (see Where to Buy), younger designers like Kevin Seah are gaining ground with artisanal bespoke and couture pieces for both men and women. Operating from his small atelier at Jalan Kilang in the East, Seah’s elegant dresses and tailored jackets, shirts and pants are extremely wearable. “I’ve always loved the beauty of grandeur and working on the beautiful cloths, intricacies of embroideries and details of garments that are beyond mass produced,” he says. “Clients come to me because of the amount of handwork we put into our garments such as hand-stitched buttonholes and prick stitching which are all done by hand. We even have those looking for bespoke ties, boxer shorts and scarves, working from the selection of cloths that we have.”

Seah’s materials are all imported directly from mills in the UK and Italy, and what ready-to-wear collections lack in terms of customization and attention to details, couture provides in spades. “The work process for couture and bespoke begins with understanding the clients’ body type and their personal style. Typically I will explain to clients the construction of the garment—from the type of shoulders, either soft or structured depending on their shoulder slope; to the styles of the pieces, from the width of lapels to the height of the notch. I will then proceed to choosing of cloths (I have about 10 thousand samples) and linings that will create the look and feel of the garment.”

Couture may not be for everyone, but for the initiated, a gentle and timely reminder that thoughtful fashion is still a trend worth investing in.

Where to buy:

Ashley Isham

The first ever duplex multi-label concept store by homegrown sartorialist Ashley Isham. One-off dresses are the main draws here, alongside other selections by Farah Khan, Catherine Deane and Modern Love by Sarah Arnett.

Francis Cheong

From mama drama one off evening gowns to more contemporary dresses for ladies who lunch, this longstanding boutique is a must for those looking for glamorous standout pieces.

Kevin Seah

Apart from Seah’s selection of hand-crafted evening gowns and tailored menswear, the boutique also carries a small selection of vintage Cazal and Nackymade eyewear and Lodger shoes.

Red Light Revolution • (China) In this satirical take on sex and society in China, podgy Shunxi loses his job and his wife and decides to set up an adult shop to get his life back on track.
Sep 15, 9:30pm, Shaw Lido

Viva Riva! • (Democratic Republic of Congo) An inconsequential con-man strikes it big when he commandeers a gasoline shipment. Living the high life, his new wealth quickly lands him in the middle of the Congolese underworld.
Sep 16, 2pm, Shaw Lido

The Tree of Life • (USA) Winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Terrence Malick’s latest film explores the origins of the universe and the meaning of life through one man’s recollections of his childhood. Stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
Sep 16, 9:30pm, Shaw Lido

Rubber • (France) In what is easily one of the most bizarre and original films to emerge in a long time, Robert the tire (yes, as in a car tire) goes on a killing spree.
Sep 16, 9:30pm, Shaw Lido

Cave of Forgotten Dreams • (Germany) This sumptuous 3D documentary about ancient cave paintings is more than just a collection of talking heads. Directed by German maverick auteur Werner Herzog; soundtrack scored by Dutch cellist and composer Ernst Reijseger.
Sep 17, 3:30pm, Shaw Lido

Floating Lives • (Vietnam) Based on Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tu’s Asean Literature award winning short story Boundless Rice Field, this touching melodrama about a family of peasants is bound to make folks cling to their Kleenex.
Sep 18, 1:30pm, The Arts House

I Have Loved • (Singapore) Shot among the temples of the Angkor complex in Siem Reap, the film follows a woman trying to escape loss and sadness as she has brief interludes with two men who are tied to other women. Stars Glen Goei, Eryn Tett and Amarin Cholvibul.
Sep 18, 7pm, Shaw Lido

Abel • (Mexico) Y tu mamá también’s Diego Luna makes his directorial debut with a dark comedy about the eponymous protagonist, a delusional nine-year-old boy who believes he is the head of his dysfunctional family.
Sep 20, 9:30pm, Shaw Lido

Akasuka Daydreams • (Japan) In this longest single-scene film in the world, the relationship between a recently widowed musician and his young daughter is explored. Directed by Kinshirou Ogio.
Sep 21, 7:30pm, Sinema

A Cat in Paris • (France) Dino the cat leads a double life; he’s the loyal companion of a little girl named Zoe by day and a burglar’s accomplice by night. When Zoe falls into the clutches of the mobster who killed her father, Dino’s two identities converge.
Sep 23, 7:30pm, Shaw Lido

Visit www.siff.sg for more information and venue details, or their Sistic page to book.