We don’t have a lot of time in Bangkok. Don’t let the leisurely sidewalk pace or lack of punctuality fool you. We’re all super busy watching TV, sitting in traffic or contemplating our sinking city. We’re in a god-damn hurry here.
As a consequence appreciating art and culture are not prioritizes for the average Bangkokian. We’d sooner review our Instagram feed than attend a museum. Unless, of course, you combine the high brow with our inbred passion of shopping. That’s the idea behind several unique Bangkok stores where fashion meets art and retailers are curators. Here’s some of our favorites:
Ekamai Soi 10
Bangkok is a land of contradictions, and nothing brings this to concept to life like the unique products at Liberty Area One. If you’ve ever lusted after a velvet bikini, a clutch handbag shaped like an eyeball, or a vintage T-shirt covered in sequins and feathers (by the awesome Dry Clean Only) then put down your martini and get the hell over here. The edgy men’s and women’s wear includes Thai labels, like the unique bags by URFACE, and foreign brands selected from around the world. Chris Horwang has been spotted here stocking up on cool duds. It’s gritty, urban, in-your-face style that’s perfect daily wear, especially for those in creative industries.
Central World
Touting itself as an “exhibitional retail space” UnCENSORED curates fashion from around the world, putting it together so you can pick up a whole lifestyle in one shopping trip. Brands include Opening Ceremony of New York fame, Danish fashion brand Stine Goya and Swedish label Minimarket. The space presents an upscale collection of everything from pens to wallets to shoes to fashion. It could be the walk in closet of a successful Bangkokian, who’s climbed the corporate latter in a tropical bomber jacket and leather pencil skirt. PS. The mid-year sale is happening now.
Central World
Head to Next to Normal for fashion brands that can’t be found anywhere else in Bangkok, like Maison Martin Margiela, J Brand, Elizabeth and James and Band of Outsiders. You can even find Kanye’s capsule collection for A.P.C. here. Most of these brands have already made their mark overseas and gained cult status. Well-traveled Thai shoppers can save a trip to London or New York thanks to this shop that opened just last year. Just be prepared to spend (almost) as much a flight to Sydney on your new wardrobe.
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Siam Center
The shopping mall’s re-launch last year cemented it as our city’s hub for Thai fashion and design. The Wonder Room is the hub of the hub, featuring Thai fashion favorites like Rotsaniyom, and up and comers like What If, Ploy Sang and Chonlada. Besides, any shop that has a “Cat Fight Sale” called “Die Young, Stay Pretty” is hip in our books. You missed that one, but watch the Siam Center Facebook page for updates.
Siam Center
This is another curated space in Siam Center that looks more like a pop-up art exhibition than a boutique. The Selected is a full spectrum lifestyle store that stocks everything from bicycles and sunglasses to books and music, depending on the curator’s choices. Focusing on Thai brands, The Selected has a distinct vintage vibe.
