Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-621-1205. Open Tue-Fri 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm.
It might be a chain, but this branch of True Café on our own Champs-Élysées scores big in terms of originality. Set in the same contemporary Thai building as the recently-opened Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall and Library, the café is a favorite spot among tourists and students alike. We highly recommend the leafy alfresco area where you can admire the grandeur and chaos of Democracy Monument.
138 Phra Athit Rd., 02-281-4228. Open Sun-Sat 10:30am-8pm.
Located on the corner directly across the street from Phra Sumen Fort, this bakery’s goodies just might transport you to Europe. The ingredients for their homemade cheesecake and mousse (B85-150) and their variety of fruit teas (B60/cup, B110/pot) are imported from France, and the coffee (B55-80) comes from Italy. Seating is limited, keeping the atmosphere quiet and relaxed.
102/1 Phra Athit Rd., 02-280-7879. Open Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm.
Previously home to an old civil servant, Baan Phra Athit now shares a small portion of its historic nobility with its ground-floor coffee shop, Coffee & More. The vibe is clean-cut but laid back, with comfy couches, free Wi-Fi, an in-house library and a delightful display of cakes. The menu offers a variety of coffee classics (B50), cool drinks, teas and smoothies (from B50), sandwiches, salads and appetizers (B75-120), an assortment of Thai favorites (B65) and your favorite local brews (B65).
32 Khao San Rd., 02-629-1144. Open daily 10am-12:30am.
Maintaining the area’s perpetual love affair with all things retro, Fabulous Bar and Dessert Café provides its regular crowd of local students and passing tourists with a cozy yet personable atmosphere. The furniture of yesteryear, including a plaid couch and kitschy lamps, is nicely situated so guests can enjoy private conversations in their own little nooks. Serving up tea, coffee, desserts and free Wi-Fi by day, this place keeps its appeal at night with its black menu of cocktails and laid-back jazz tunes.
Phra Athit Rd., 02-629-4465. Open Sun-Sat 7am-11:30pm.
Situated between Phra Athit Pier and Phra Sumen Fort is a little restaurant that highlights the beauty of sticking to the basics. Simple and clean, Take-a-Seat welcomes its customers with basic four-seater tables and an apparently random collection of colorful, framed pictures encircling the dining room. The menu is straightforward with its options of Thai favorites (B80-250), essential Western snacks like soups, salads and sandwiches (B45-95) and pasta with Thai-fusion sauces (B60-80). And if you prefer to enjoy your meal from a street-side stool, they also have two charming tables out front.
86 Chakrapong Rd., 02-282-9948. Open daily 10am-12am.
Located down a small alley between Soi Rambutri and the police station, this Israeli establishment plays constant host to crowds of farangs. They come for the Middle Eastern dishes like the famous lamb shawarma (B200) and shakshuka (B80), as well as classic dips like the tzatziki and hummus (B40-110). It certainly makes for a much classier and more affordable option to the seedy vibes of Nana.
88/2 Chakrapong Rd., 02-281-8947. Open daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm.
Although this place is right next to Shoshana, it manages to be off the farang-radar and has a much more local clientele, drawn to its affordable Japanese options. They serve up a range of okonomiyaki (grilled dishes) for B115-175, sushi (B25-55) and sashimi (B105-185). They come with no frills attached—the décor is quiet and simple with a few traditional Japanese low-tables and a few two-seaters, in addition to one outdoor table.
Soi Rambuttri., 02-629-3590. Open daily 6pm-1am.
This institution is a hit with the young, local Indian community who like to mop up nights out with some classic Indian cuisine. The two-story building is dimly lit but warm and comfy thanks to the red lighting and the cushions spread around the floor. As well as the tasty, well-spiced food (don’t miss the paneer tikka, chilli chicken and chocolate naan) the other highlight has to be the wide choice of shisha, from apple to rose and mint.
140 Phra Athit Rd., 02-629-3207. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-11pm.
This tiny four-table eatery makes up for what it lacks in space with an unobstructed view of Phra Sumen Fort and some impressive dishes coming out of the tiny kitchen. The vibe is tres European, with a real Italian leaning in its range of pasta dishes (starting from B150). Still, this is no one trick pony: they offer daily specials and an impressive breakfast menu to boot. The restaurant also doubles as a café, and the outside table is a great spot for chilling out and people watching.
46 Khao San Rd., 081-820-2762, 081-438-4738. Open daily 3pm-1am.
With its hidden location in a small alley off the main strip, Hippie de Bar is a secret spot well worth discovering. Fronted by a stall selling second-hand paperbacks, this former antique home features a canopied outdoor area where young locals share a bottle of whiskey and tourists tackle a beer tower. Inside it’s lots of private nooks and retro furniture. Music-wise, there’s no irritating popsanova, but quality indie tunes and non-commercial hip-hop. The menu sees typical gab glaem consisting of deep-fried nibbles and various yam.
147 Soi Rambuttri, Khao San Rd., 02-281-2899. Open daily 3pm-1am. www.bkkbar.com
Bangkok Bar oozes that same retro-tinged, baan baan vibe of Hippie de Bar, but with a slightly more modern take on its décor (think lots of bare cement and a mini plunge pool). Tucked down an alley, this building with a courtyard spans three floors and features plenty of alfresco space and a rooftop where you can enjoy a shisha under the starry skies. A decent live band plays rolling local and international hits on the third floor.
95 Chakrapong Rd., Chanasongkram, 02-281-4445. Open daily 9pm-1am.
After undergoing a renovation mid last year, you might be surprised that this is still a bar and not a chandelier showroom, thanks to the multiple lights dripping from the ceiling. Despite the décor changes, this small spot has kept their crowd of Japanese backpackers and Thai creative types. More importantly, they’ve kept their killer and affordable cocktails and the giant bottles of Sangsom (this is Khao San, after all).
58/2 Soi Damnoen Klang Tai, Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, 02-622-0282. Open daily 6pm-1am.
Despite its slightly off-beat location and distinctly dingy feel, Pranakorn Bar and Gallery has maintained its status as a favorite. Popular for its open-air rooftop bar, this four-story venue also offers quiet seating on the ground floor, an art gallery for Thai artists on the second and a pool table on the third. Grub options include all of your favorite gap glaem (B50-90) in addition to a small pasta-heavy Italian menu (B90-300). Singha is available on draft (pint B120/tower B500) and potent cocktails are B120.
Behind True Café, Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 089-497-8422. www.club-culture-bkk.com. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-2am.
To be honest, we say go while this place is still standing. Having moved from their former home in a traditional Thai theatre, Bangkok’s most cutting edge club has relocated to what can only be described as a crack den combined with a demolition site. It makes for a very different evening as you clamber up concrete steps and explore the myriad of dimly lit different rooms, each offering eclectic options from indie bands to thumping techno. Check their site for special events.
Phra Athit Rd., 02-282-2119. Open Tue-Sun 9am-10pm.
Set in a simple two-story shophouse, Roti-Mataba’s fame has now spread far and wide, which means it’s often packed and you may well have to wait for a table before you can sample its made-to-order Islamic fare. The crowds of students, office workers and night owls come for their namesake matabas (starting from B30) and a range of curries and roti with different fillings (from B15)—all made right in front of you in the open kitchen. Our favorites have to be the salad khaek (Middle Eastern salad, B60) and mataba with mixed filling (B60).
Phra Athit Rd. Open Tue-Sat 8am-2pm.
Just down the road from Roti Mataba and close to a small cafe called Artist, this little street stall only offers three choices: khao kruk kapi (rice with shrimp paste, sweet pork and mango), kao pad nam prik and kanom jeen souw nam (B30). The khao kruk kapi is, hands down, their premier dish as it blends a variety of tastes and textures complimented by their praiseworthy garlicky, peppery broth.
Tani Rd. Open daily 9am-10pm.
This place is easy to miss thanks to the surrounding hustle-bustle. It’s situated down a side alley just past the 7-11 on Tani Road, on the other side of Rambutri. Look out for sign in Thai only (non-readers can spot it from the red color and the crescent and star logo). They actually offer quite a bit of seating, but you first have to walk past their always-busy, street-side kitchen. The beef satay (B45), ox tail (B60) and chicken biryani (B40) are highlights, but even their beef noodle soup is super savory and chock-full with succulent chunks of beef.
For a more insightful take on this backpackers' mecca, read our interviews with the people who work and live in the neighbourhood:
A tattoo artist: Jirakit Chaisuriyawat
A police oficer: Jarawat Jonjob
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One thing this city doesn’t lack is top-notch gym facilities. Membership packages aren’t cheap, though, so before you make good on your New Year resolution and sign up, better make sure you pick the right one for you.
If You Want Everything Prepared For You
Pure Fitness
Housed in the stately Knightsbridge building, Pure Fitness is as close as it gets to exercising in the comfort of your own home. Designed with the busy executive in mind, this gym comes equipped with everthing you could possibly need, right down to complimentary sportswear. It’s perfect for anyone who hates having to plan ahead or lugging kit around with them all day. Most of the fitness equipment boasts built-in entertainment systems with cable channels and there’s even an impressive DVD
collection you can borrow from. Top all that with iMac computer stations, pleasant walnut paneling and a small kitchenette and you’ll probably want to move in.
Stats: 15,000 square feet of space stretched across one floor with spinning and kickboxing studios plus a free weights zone.
Equipment: 15 percent consists of cardio equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills. The rest are resistance equipment with a big focus on free weights. All equipment from Life Fitness. Cardio machines are equipped with an iPod-compatible DVD entertainment system.
Amenities: Over 20 rainforest showers, over 180 full-length lockers with hangers per changing room, steam bath and sauna facilities, stylish and well-stocked vanity tables with wood and marble finish.
Classes: Up to 11 sessions a day; including Pilates, BodyPump, BodyAttack, BodyCombat, kickboxing, dynamic dance, Muay Thai, yoga, TRX, pole dancing, cardio sculpt, Hip Hop and Latino jam.
Price: $129-209 per month for basic membership at Pure Fitness Knightsbridge. Special price packages available for Pure Yoga, Pure Fitness & Pure Yoga SG as well as All Asia Pure Yoga & Pure Fitness (including Hong Kong outlets). Personal training fees available upon application.
Outlets: So far, just the one (3/F Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6100-3813).
Overall: 4/5
For a relatively small space, Pure Fitness sure packs a punch.
If You Like Exercising Outdoors
Fitness First
When it comes to alfresco workouts, a lot of us usually turn to sports or, when desperate, take turns using the fitness stations in public parks. We like how Fitness First’s Capitol Tower and UOB Center outlets provide gym equipment as well as cycling and free weights facilities outdoors so you can surround yourself with a refreshing garden landscape as you exercise. Even better is the heated infinity pool at their One George Street outlet, which provides a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Stats: There are nine outlets altogether, all equipped with cycling and Mind & Body Studios as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
Equipment: All equipment from Technogym, furnished with a built-in entertainment system.
Amenities: VCD collection, juice bar, members’ lounge, steam and sauna facilities,
computer stations and complimentary workout attire available.
Classes: Yoga, Pilates, dance (Latino Jam, Groove & Jazz and Hip Hop) as well as Les Mills courses in BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyBalance and BodyStep at The Cathay outlet, which focuses on group exercise.
Price: From $155 per month for a Premier four-month membership. Personal training fees upon application. Complimentary 3-day trial available. Members get to bring a friend for free on weekends.
Outlets: #B1-36 AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 3, 6483-5775; #08-13 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-7889; #04-05 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6732-4111; #23-11 & #24-00 Connexis (North Tower), 1 Fusionopolis Way, 6438-4484); #09-01 Capital Tower, 6536-5595; #02-38 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6339-7555; #05-01 One George Street, 1 George St., 6538-7666; #06-00 UOB Centre, 1 Raffles Plc., 65434-4333; #08-01 One Raffles Quay (North Tower), 1 Raffles Quay, 6327-5550.
Overall: 5/5
Luxurious views. State-of-the-art equipment. Numerous outlets distributed island-wide. Variety of group exercise classes. What more could you ask for?
NEXT: The Gym at Orchard & True Fitness
The Price Isn’t Right
All the major gym chains are cagey when it comes to sharing the price you’ll actually pay, as opposed to the rack rate (typically much higher). True Fitness are probably the worst offenders, insisting you sit down for a lengthy “consultation” and bamboozling you with promotional offers, waived fees and ultimately a price that can be as low as 50% of rack rate. But they all do it. A plea for transparency: Cut it out, guys.[TOP]
Team Fitness Guru’s Fun Fitness Bootcamp
Want the sort of intensity you get from a personal training session but work beter with group motivation? Try attending an intensive 60-minute session with the certified instructors of Team Fitness Guru, who will incorporate various creative exercises into a program designed to help you reduce weight and tension while upping your endurance and strength levels. Sessions are conducted outdoors and cost $29.90 each. Packages are also available. Log on to www.fitnessbootcamp.sg for more information.[TOP]
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Ai Weiwei (China)
The controversial Chinese artist, architectural designer and activist continues to create a stir among the artistic and political community for his vocal participation and creative expression of local affairs. Love him or hate him, Weiwei has contributed significantly to the growth of China’s rather restrictive arts scene; he was artistic consultant during the construction of the Beijing National Stadium and represented his country in multiple biennales and exhibitions worldwide.
Andy Warhol (USA)
Think Pop Art and Andy Warhol is the first name that comes to mind. Having redefined the visual arts movement in the 60s, Warhol has contributed massively to the commercial success of his preferred genre, ironically by disfiguring the ideas and concept of popular culture. From replicas of his iconic Campbell Soup paintings to movies dedicated to his creative brilliance, Warhol has remained inspirational to artists and fans alike to this very day.
Yayoi Kusama (Japan)
The ever surreal and abstract expressionism found in the word of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is a visual representation of her psychological and mental condition which she has struggled with over the years. Her highly acclaimed work has been lauded by critics and fans alike, using polka dots, or "infinity nets” as she calls them, as her signature style.
Through Jan 16, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $10-60.
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44/15 Convent Rd., opposite BNH Hospital, 02-632-0041. Open daily 10am-8pm.
The newest option for Silom and Sathorn office workers who are addicted to treatments in Japanese-style salons. A compact-sized space decked out with simple designs and lots of white, Marsi Salon & Spa is one of the best places to get a long, concentrated head massage as well as a Japanese-style digital perm that makes you look like a kawaii Tokyo chick.
Best for: Office workers who need a cozy break from work, and will settle for a new hairdo instead of a new job.
Price: Haircuts start from B400 for men and B500 for women.
3/F, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit 31, 02-662-2714. Open daily 10am-8pm.
The French salon with 47 branches in France alone, as well as other European countries, has landed in Bangkok with a modern contemporary boutique decked out with graffiti, geometric motifs and vivid colors. Despite a full staff of well-trained Thai stylists available all the time, professional hair stylist Vincent Berenguer flies in from the headquarters in France every two months to offer Thai customers the latest Parisian look.
Best for: Those who spend their lunch breaks on Vogue.com in search of the latest catwalk looks.
Price: From B500 for Thai stylist and from B1,500 for French stylist.
2/F, Park Lane Ekkamai, 02-382-0128, 081-647-1777. Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm.
Not exactly a place for a haircut or coloring, Heads Up is where you pamper you hair and scalp. Offering a wide range of treatments for different types of problems, from damaged hair to alopecia, Heads Up uses pure organic Thai herbs in order to get rid of all the artificial substances from your hair. With only three seats available, a reservation is recommended. Treatments last for more than an hour, but you can walk out with a head-wrap if you just absolutely need to get back to the office.
Best for: Beauty queens who’ve done too much coloring.
Price: Treatment starts from B450 for men and B550 for women.
2/F, Park Lane, Ekkamai, 02-382-1600. Open daily 9am-9pm.
A homey little salon with only six seats hidden on the second floor of Park Lane, offering hair styling from two pros who have competed in contests from Katevadee Institute. The wooden and black furniture décor will make you feel like you’re getting the service right back at your own home.
Best for: Couples looking for a hair date at an affordable price.
Price: Haircut from B400 for men and B500 for women. B2,500-B3,000 for a 10-session hair spa.
73 Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai), 02-391-6442. Open Thu-Tue 10am-6pm.
Claims to be the first hair color bar in Thailand, allowing you to co-create the right color you want. All techniques used at Phy-A are acquired directly from Colorsophist NOBU, a world-leading hair pro colorist from Tokyo and a long-time stylist and colorist of Hollywood celebrities. Downstairs from the salon is a café serving inter dishes. You might also consider getting a fancy Harajuku manicure on your way out.
Best for: Hi-sos who want to make an afternoon-long lunch/manicure/gossip session of their new haircut.
Price: Coloring B2,900-7,900. Dry cut B900-1,500. At the café, mains run from B220-B290.
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B449 from Wine Connection
A blend of two zesty grapes means this is going to be a refreshing wine with grassy and tropical aromas. The winemarkers promise an easy drinkability, so you should be able to have this just as an aperitif.
BK Tasting: Pale blond color and very citrusy on the nose. Light on the tongue and not too acidic, making it a nice drink on its own. If you do decide to have it with dinner, choose something light, not too saucey.
B499 from Wine Connection
A wine with a modern story: it’s from the Cotes du Gascogne, an oceanside, rainy area, where this grape is a recent introduction. The wine is stored in stainless steel (as opposed to oak), so the fruit flavors should be prominent. It’s “stirred on the lees” for two months, meaning the yeasts are stirred after fermentation, giving creaminess.
BK Tasting: Fruitier and sweeter than the Flamingo Bay. The stirring on the lees makes this Sauv Blanc (uncharacterisically) unacidic. Good for beginners.
B379 from Villa Supermarket
This is a brut, which means that it’s pretty dry (as opposed to sweet). Its Chenin Blanc composition means that it has a relatively high level of acidity, making it a crisp and refreshing but also aromatic wine. The Mont Clair bottle promises to be fruity as well, and the fine mousse (that’s the bubbly foam), will soften the drinking.
BK Tasting: Very Goldilocks: just dry enough, just acidic enough, just bubbly enough. We can’t believe how cheap it is, considering there’s no cheap aftertaste.
B599 from Wine Connection
Along with the tannic, earthy presence of Cabernet Sauvignon, the Solanera is also comprised of indigenous grape Monastrell (known as Mourvedre in France, 65%), which is also bold, and Tintorera (15%), largely used for color. It’s aged in oak for ten months, so the flavors will be big. You should have this with a proper dinner.
BK Tasting: Not for novices, this wine is heavy on the oak and light on the fruit aromas and flavors. More dry than fruity. Pretty macho and good with a steak.
B599 from Villa Supermarket
This is Hardy’s line of wines made to let the natural qualities of the grape shine, so this wine may be a lot more fruity than usual. It’s stored in stainless steel with just a bit of oak later, so there are less woody notes. The boldness of the grape means some spicy, cigar-like notes to balance the fruit.
BK Tasting: Newcomers enjoy the peppery, spicy flavors of Cabernet without giving up the red fruit flavors. Not too dry either, but with subtle tannins, so you don’t feel like a child drinking juice.
B567 from Gourmet Market
Bestsellers among Chilean wines, these guys are famous for consistency and easy drinkability, perfect if you don’t have the palate (yet) for intense stuff. The Gato Negro is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but thanks to the mild weather and the stainless steel maturation process, the wine is more fruity and less tannic than usual.
BK Tasting: Similar to the Hardy’s though a touch sweeter and differently structured: the subtle tannins are present more at the finish than throughout.
Make cheap wines taste chic with these tips.
1. For bold reds like the Solanera, pick glasses with wide bowls that will expose more to the air, letting the wine breathe.
2. For sweet-smelling light wines like the Rare, pick a glass with a small bowl and a tapered mouth that will direct the aroma directly to your nose.
3. Drink sparkling wines in long, narrow glasses, called flutes, to keep the lovely bubbles for as long as possible.
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Néktar
With a vast selection of premium cocktails all concocted meticulously by the bar chefs, your potential partner will be smiling from rim to rim. Or test your compatibility by creating your own cocktails. This could be a good gauge to see if your relationship will turn sweet or sour. Housed in a classic heritage building, the bar offers a cosy ambiance, away from prying eyes.
31 Scotts Rd., 6836-9185. Open daily 5pm-1am.
Wild Oats
Situated high on Mt. Sophia and housed in an old colonial building, Wild Oats is something of a love-birds’ secret for its intimate ambiance. Its alfresco deck is a favorite nesting ground for couples with its plush rattan chairs and stout tables. Surrounded by lush greenery and soothing music, the bar is perfect for those get-to-know sessions. Couples have reportedly met and married here.
11 Upper Wilkie Rd., 6336-5413. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sun 6pm-1am.
Mr Punch Wine Bar
For the young at heart, Mr Punch Wine Bar offers a delightfully different experience thanks to its location on the rooftop of the Mint Museum of Toys. Start your dating itinerary with a walk through five different storeys in the museum and embark on a nostalgic trip with over 50,000 toys from the mid-19th to mid-20th century. Then head up to the cozy bar with your partner and indulge in private time together with their selection of cocktails and wine while admiring the vintage collection of posters and memorabilia adorning the walls.
Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah St., 6334-5155. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat, eve of public holiday 4pm-2am.
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Dresscode, #01‑07 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6732‑4606.
Hermes, #01‑02A Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6738‑9807.
Louis Vuitton, #01-20-24 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6734-1189.
Mulberry, #01‑26 Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6336‑6977.
Ted Baker, #01‑132/134 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376‑9498.
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The buzz: The popular Japanese luxury brand has set up their flagship store in Singapore much to the delight of fans of their youthful chic bags and accessories. Fans include Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton and Penelope Cruz, all of whom have endorsed the brand’s innovative design and embodiment of femininity at its finest. What’s more, with its affordable prices, the only problem one might have is finding enough closet space—although that’s hardly a complaint.
The vibe: Imagine a walk-in closet filled with bags, bags and more bags. The parquet décor creates a warm and welcoming ambiance and, with its soft lights and spacious floor area, it’ll put any shopper at ease.
The goods: Whether it’s handbags, purses, cases, totes or luggage bags, Samantha Thavasa offers a vast collection to suit almost any need (or mere want). Check out the cutesy Petit Choice range (from $396) and their Disney inspired long wallets. One of the most eye-catching bags (Hello Kitty fans, please restrain yourself) is the Hello Kitty x Liberty Print Crea bag (from $630) which features an attached soft toy. Also look out for the distinctive Samantha Vega line and Samantha Kingz men’s line coming in the near future.
Why you’ll be back: To feel like one of the gang, or simply to fill that last bit of closet space.
#B1-27A ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6634 2880. Open daily 10am-10pm.
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Sometimes all you need is that one special accessory to brighten up your wardrobe. Which is why these latest items are exactly what the fashion doctor ordered: They’re unique, interesting and gorgeous. Who needs overpriced seasonal clothing when you have these babies to wear over and over again?
Hoi Ming
This luxury handbag and accessory label, founded by Hong Kong upstarts Hoiming Fung and Baldwin Pui, strikes the perfect balance between haute couture and wit. Take their “Bats” necklaces ($155) for example, which are skilfully handcrafted on leather. Attempting to reconcile the dichotomy of the bat (bats are supposed to bring luck and harmony for the Chinese, but symbolize misery and doom in the west), the duo have created a neckpiece that doubles up as a bowtie—how clever!
Available from Front Row, #02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd.,
6224-5501.
Bless
The creative pairing of Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag from Berlin-based Bless has resulted in the creation of some of the best accessories of late, including their scene-stealing shades and sunshields, comprising the O.Kayers ($448), collaboration with Alain Mikli, and the bling-inspired brilliance of the Duofringeglasses ($558), which are perfect for disco themed nights and beyond.
Available from A Curious Teepee, #02-04 *Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.
Chris Habana
New York-based designer Chris Habana is known for taking gothic iconography and reworking it with a pop sensibility, rooted mainly in fantasy and sci-fi films. The result: Spaced-out rings and necklaces featuring triangle charms, crosses and spike motifs ($120 upwards) that are clean yet daring. Oh, and they’re unisex to boot.
Available from A Curious Teepee, #02-04 *Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.
Heather Keiko
Australian Heather Keiko is a textile designer who creates delicate accessories using exquisite materials like wool and felt to create repetitive layers that are bold and commanding. Take the signature plank necklaces ($150), for example, which are hand sewn using fine German wool felt, threaded together with stainless steel wire cable, and finished with a silver or gold chain—ooh la la! Other picks include the ripple and ruffle necklaces (also $150 each).
Available at Strangelet, 87 Amoy St., 6222-1456.
Michelle Lane
American stylist-turned-jewelry designer Michelle Lane creates beautiful and intricate soft neck pieces that are great for our local weather. Made mainly from white cord and ropes, her Systematic Search necklace ($595), for instance, is a sight to behold with its systematically backtracking, hand-stitched motif (hence the name). Other must-haves include the chunky Graduated Cube necklace ($285) and Elegant Truth bracelet ($210).
Available at Strangelet, 87 Amoy St., 6222-1456.
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So basically I knew about it weeeeeeks ago (ahead of the rest of ‘em “style” journalists out there) but was not allowed to say a word because organizer Dr.
So basically I knew about it weeeeeeks ago (ahead of the rest of ‘em “style” journalists out there) but was not allowed to say a word because organizer Dr. Frank Cintamani had begged me to keep my mouth shut ...
