Printemps Loves New York (Paris, France)

A short while after NYFW, the Parisian department store Printemps launched a 'Printemps loves New York' special, which included store windows dedicated to NYC, in-store displays, a large assortment of items hailing from the U.S. and a few limited edition pieces. Curious to see what the French deemed typically American (or NYC), I was greeted by what I assume to be a paint-splattered King Kong sitting near the corner entrance. Other icons presented, included everything from giant doughnuts and cupcakes to SpongeBob and Superman - the latter could even be found in-store. Not to be ignored of course: the lovely clothes on display, ranging from the likes of Marc Jacobs to Proenza Schouler.

For some reason the above display was changed to this a few weeks later:

Shearling leather coat by Rick Owens, ltd. edition Vogue t-shirt.

Close-ups of some of the outfits:

From left: Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren.

From left: Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Rick Owens.

The fun continued inside, where I spotted foodie items, such as the fairly conventional Campbell Soup cans or the slightly more hard-to-find Dean & Deluca treats. Special edition t-shirts designed by brands such as Opening Ceremony were on sale, as were smaller gift items from MOMA. And if you really want to take it to the next level, I suggest you pick up an Obama brooch or a hot dog necklace. There was also a wonderful selection of cupcakes and cheesecakes on the lower level, though my drooling prevented me from taking any pictures there...

Giant spray cans in-store and special edition t-shirts.

Another superman (above). Neon lights and wall art adorned the stairwell area (below).

Some of the goodies included Jackie O and Obama pins, a hot dog necklace, MOMA souvenirs, Dean & Deluca coffee and an assortment of soups, salad dressing and Marshmallow Fluff.

For previous Printemps events and window displays (including the much-loved Alice in Wonderland feature or the Christmas special), please click here.

Monki (Stockholm, Sweden)

Since we're approaching a season of dark skies and cold weather (unless you're lucky enough to live in the Southern Hemisphere), I've done a little digging in my photo folder and realized I have yet to share this wonderful gem I came across during my trip to Stockholm a few months ago. While Monki may be a household name in its home country of Sweden, it's still relatively unknown around the world, though this may change soon since H&M has acquired the company along with previously reviewed Weekday/Cheap Monday. Aimed primarily at teenage girls, this label may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're wanting to experience a retail and brand concept that's a a little different, Monki can't be missed.

Selection from the Summer (above) and August (below) lookbook (images: Monki).

I'm not even going to attempt to describe the concept behind the label in my own words. Instead, I've stolen the following quote (from design company Electric Dreams, who's responsible for the store interiors): "The Monki World is a story about a parallel universe inhabited by little black creatures with dual personas, born in the derelict City of Oil and Steel. Monkis are cute and friendly, but also evil and deceptive. Their world is made up of places as surprising and ambiguous as themselves; part magical and part ghastly; stunning beauty alongside revolting ugliness. The Monki saga is plucked from the Peacock Fields, fished from the Everlasting, and woven along the shores of the Rosehip River. Their story is a wild hotchpotch of wondrous adventures among leeches, butterfly choirs, turbine flowers, bow trees and mysterious chemicals. Nothing is impossible in the Monki World!"

Overview of the empty store (above) and a few Monkis I found during my visit (top image: Electric Dreams).

The entrance area of the store, filled with bright green shelves representing foliage.

Some of the above may start making sense once you realize that the boutiques actually do sell these Monkis - little plush creatures with round faces, bird feet and small wings. They can also be found on prints, stationary, shopping bags and the store exterior to name a few - thus creating a little Monki World. The fantasy theme is extended to the lookbooks, which usually feature models with unusual hair and make-up. There are several boutique concepts ranging from the 'City of Oil and Steel' to the 'Sea of Scallops'. The first and most common 'world' however is the 'Forgotten Forest' which is what I happened to stumble upon during a jaunt through Stockholm's hip Södermalm.

The 'mushroom' shelves filled with scarves, belts and shoes.

Shoes on display, along with colorful pieces in shelves and clothing hung throughout the space (top image: Electric Dreams).

The stores themselves may not look as crazy as the whole Monki idea sounds, but they are unique enough to warrant a browse. Even though anyone over the age of 16 may initially feel a little lost among the hip youthful clothing gear, the looks - inspired by Japanese and European street style - aren't overly trendy. As the lookbook images depict, a lot of the knits, tops and dresses are actually fairly basic yet feature unique details, whether it's an asymmetric hem or bold print, making almost everything very wearable. The idea behind the majority of the collection is that various items can be combined to form cool layered outfits. And because (like it's mother brand H&M) the pricing is very reasonable, there's nothing that will stop you from grabbing an armload of clothes to create several stylish looks.

Some of the footwear I found included the zipper ankle boot and the laced wedges.

No, you're not on an acid trip - the store really is this colorful. More clothing crammed into every corner and another Monki sighting (top image: Electric Dreams).

The 'Forgotten Forest' I visited seemed to consist of a floral carpet, various wooden alcoves and neon green shelves which displayed a number of random items ranging from pens and sunglasses to canvas shoes and straw hats. The changing rooms had the effect of stepping into hollow oak, while clothes hung from glowing tree branches, with accessories placed on chrome -plated mushrooms. The clothing was categorized by color, which was a great thing as I wasn't about to browse hot pink and headed towards the grays and blues instead. The shoes were probably one of the most popular items - these included zippered ankle boots, chunky wedges and brightly patterned brogues. Even though the target group may be a lot younger, I was relieved to see plenty of other non-teenagers among the shoppers, so don't let the youth vibe deter you from visiting one of the stores.

The changing rooms as seen from outside (above) and inside (left). Another interesting display featuring lace-up shoes (right. Top and left image: Electric Dreams).

Eager shoppers - not all of them aged 13 (left), a few cool shades and a selection of underwear hanging from the 'turbine flowers' (right).

Needless to say, for the cheap pricing you'll find a lot of poly-blend material and pieces that may not last forever, but I was pleasantly surprised by the vast selection and abundance of styles. Monki has been expanding steadily, opening boutiques in the Netherlands, Germany and even more recently Hong Kong, so hopefully their colorful dream worlds will soon hit an area near you. Until then, you can always visit the virtual magical Monki World online if you want to escape the dreary Fall weather.

More styles from the September (above) and October (below) lookbooks (images: Monki).

Address: Götgatan 19, 118 46 Stockholm
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 11:00-20:00, Sat: 11:00-18:00, Sun: 12:00-17:00
Monki Homepage

Comme des Garçons (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong people aren't just fashionable - they're very fashion-forward. I know that the number of times I've complained about the sheer amount of big name logo branded flagships around the city might have given the unfair impression that locals actually buy this stuff, but as I've mentioned before, the glitzy stores are mainly there to cater to mainland Chinese tourists wanting to spend a bit of money on luxury items they can't get back home. The Hong Kong crowd? Well, they've come to appreciate the slightly less mainstream yet ultimately stylish choices - many of them offered by retail giant I.T. who has given the city everything from Gareth Pugh to Christian Wijnants to A.P.C. Brands that may be hard to find in any city, yet can easily be sourced in Hong Kong. In addition, I.T. has done locals a favor by running the franchises of some of the hottest names in fashion, including flagships for Isabel Marant, Tsumori Chisato, Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and of course Comme des Garçons. The latter three used to be wedged into quaint colonial style buildings in Central's On Lan Street, which pretty much made this area shopping heaven. Unfortunately, as these structures were approved for demolition, Margiela and Comme des Garçons have since moved, but still remain neighbors in an even more prominent location a few blocks away.

SS10 looks from Comme des Garçons (images: style.com)

If there's any person out there who would like to see herself as an anti-establishment figure, it's probably Rei Kawakubo. One who is cited as being every designer's big hero and visionary but who herself always remains critical of the fashion industry and the business that surrounds it. No doubt a savvy business woman herself, she has often complained about the big glamorous boutiques on large shopping avenues, which means she probably just adores 80% of Hong Kong's shopping landscape (yes, I'm being sarcastic). Her goal of creating 'anti-flagships' started with the Guerilla Stores (I reviewed the last of its kind in Glasgow last year), then Dover Street Market, which puts an entirely different spin on 'concept store' as it basically houses an indoor market filled with designer goods. And lastly there are her own flagships. Like Dover Street Market, they can actually be found in high-end locations, but unlike the large logo flagships, they're still hard to find. Either tucked away in courtyards (Paris) or simply fitted with a very low-key entrance that doesn't scream 'come in!', you will usually still need an address to find one. Hong Kong's version is no different. I only sighted it because of the brightly lit Margiela boutique next door and even then, I wasn't sure if I was looking at a store entrance. All I saw were large vintage photographs on walls, but no clothes... nothing. You see, Hong Kong's CdG boutique is underground...

On my way down the stairs... photography galore.

Not surprisingly, this CdG store name is called 'Under the Ground' and in a city where large spaces are very hard to find, Kawakubo has managed the unthinkable: to create a 4400 square foot flagship in the heart of Hong Kong's most prestigious district. Because it's not in a mall and definitely not in your face, she has also still managed to retain the 'cool' factor. Having pushed the envelope in both fashion and retail concepts, Kawakubo isn't content on having every of her flagships look the same either. Much like Balenciaga, every store has a theme and in this case, with the help of Kerim Ragimov's signature prints, the store has been converted into a gallery where you don't just get to admire the works of art that are the clothes, but are automatically immersed in the images surrounding you. In addition, the store layout is spectacular as well. Having finally ventured past the unassuming entrance and the stairway tunnel where I passed a group of swimmers, then a crowd of baseball fans and finally an African tribe at the beginning of the basement, I was greeted by two archways: one that presented a holiday family snapshot by a lake and revealed the menswear section behind it. Another opening lead to the CdG Play section.

A tribe near the stairs and the entrance to the menswear section.

Larger than life six pack abs? Yes please! (left). A first glimpse at some of the clothes (right).

Different sections and cubicles as well as varying heights of the ceiling were specifically designed to give the impression you're walking through a maze. It's not that easy to get lost though. As with most things CdG the design is quite simple and everything is laid out neatly. I first started out in the menswear section that merged with the Junya Watanabe range. T-shirts were stacked on shelves that formed part of the circular wall and similar racks held dresses and coats. As with most major CdG stores outside Japan, this one stocked the entire range of labels associated with the brand (that's 15 collections in total), so if you're a fan, you'll definitely find something to buy.

More menswear and some looks from Junya Watanabe.

At the time, I saw mostly FW09 items, though true to Kawakubo's visionary mindset, everything from that season predicted the trends of this one: military looks, sheer fabric and nude colors to name a few. Once I got to the CdG section, I spotted the signature draped coats and shirts, the trompe l'oeil capes, sheer dresses in tulle and chiffon and a lot of khaki. The funky shoes with painted on toes and in leopard print (for both men and women) were abundant, as were the nearby special edition Converse sneakers from the 'Play' range. Moving past the circular shelves, a simple wooden version (next to a group of female boxers) held more accessories for the men.

A few Comme des Garçons FW09 looks.

Overview of the other end of the room, where wooden racks and more graphic prints could be found.

The most obvious feature though was the exhibition space in the center. To launch the store opening, CdG had collaborated with famed Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei, who designed three porcelain watermelons and matching t-shirts. Only the latter was for sale at the hefty price of around 160 EUR and judging by the large number of shirts still available, not many were falling for the 'limited edition' trick. Nevertheless, it was still interesting to behold all of this in the middle of a store setting.

'Watermelon' by Ai We Wei and matching t-shirts.

More clothes and prints.

On the other side of the exhibition space, I sighted more menswear, the Tao range and finally a few more special edition items, this time from the 'Jingle Flowers' range, which included everything from plastic dolls, toy animals, snow globes filled with flower petals and wooden chairs to t-shirts and wallets. Staff was (as is typical in Hong Kong) very attentive and helpful. Add to the fact that they were all decked out in CdG, they also looked way cooler than most people in the store, which might probably be a great motivation for some to splurge on an item, if only to look a little more cutting-edge. I will however say that as crazy as some of the stuff may seem, CdG is a lot more wearable than you'd think as long as you know how integrate it into your existing wardrobe and don't try to emulate a runway look.

The circular section towards the middle (or as accessed via the other entryway).

The 'Play' range in fibre glass shelves and placed on white benches.

My last stop was the center area where the majority of the 'Play' items (i.e. the more affordable stuff) was stocked. Judging by the larger amount of shoppers here, I'm guessing it's also a great place to get gifts as a last-minute present. The signature heart print could be found on shirts, wallets and totes. Anyone who missed out on shopping in Dover Street Market could get DSM branded items (though I think at a slight surcharge). And if you don't get a chance to shop offline at all, the DSM e-shop stocks a large amount of 'Play' and other special products as well.

Wooden shelves with the familiar graphic prints in the center(left) and the comparably white cash desk (right).

Items from the 'Jingle Flowers' range, incl. wooden seats, tees, dolls and toy animals.

Despite the fact that the entire area was underground, the store still had an airy vibe and the graphic prints definitely added to a more 'outdoor' atmosphere despite some of the stark white interiors. Even if CdG isn't a local brand, it's definitely worth checking out simply because I've found every one of the stores to be so different from the other (hence the reason I keep blogging about them). And more importantly, it does make for a nice change from the numerous branded flagships you'll see all over town once you do emerge from Rei Kawakubo's subterranean world.

SS10 looks from Junya Watanabe (images: style.com)

SS10 looks from Tao (images: style.com)

Address: 10 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sun: 11:00-20:00

Shanghai Tang (Hong Kong)

With Chinese New Year coming up, I thought it would be suitable to feature another Hong Kong store and when it comes to shopping in this city, there's one local brand that's hard to ignore and might even be familiar to those visiting from abroad. Shanghai Tang has been something of an institution in the city since its launch in 1994 and I remember the hype surrounding the flagship when it first opened in the Central district. Back then, I always associated the label and its store as being somewhat pretentious... a place where 'ladies who lunch' hang out and buy presents for their equally wealthy friends. Even now, I'm not entirely sure who the intended target group is and how wearable some of the pieces are, but it's definitely the best place to go if you're looking for a unique outfit or gift and want to have a fun time browsing items you won't find elsewhere.

A few campaign and catalog looks from the FW09 'Kaleidoscope' range (images: Shanghai Tang).

The name 'Shanghai Tang' stems from its founder, David Tang who in 1998 sold his controlling stake of the company to Richemont (the same business that controls luxury labels like Cartier or Chloe). The 'Shanghai' part of the name is a reference to Shanghainese tailoring and the city's slightly decadent old-imperialist vibe of the 20s and 30s. The brand's concept is 'modern Chinese chic' - one that, according to Tang, aims to "create the first global Chinese lifestyle brand by revitalizing Chinese designs – interweaving traditional Chinese culture with the dynamism of the 21st century". Pieces, such as the classic qi pao (silk dresses) or satin jackets have been revamped by injecting a little neon pink or lime green into them. In some cases bold prints, featuring Chinese symbols of luck, prosperity and health, such as goldfish, dragons, lotus flowers or the double happiness sign are proudly emblazoned on scarves, bags and homeware items. It's like a Warhol version of traditional Chinese art - very colorful and a little tongue-in-cheek, such as the bright Mao or Empress prints that can be found on various plates or pillow cases.

The 'Imperial Tailoring' area at the back entrance.

Dinner suits for the gents (left) and a few interesting decor items - not for sale unfortunately (right).

Like most labels out there, Shanghai Tang releases two RTW collections a year, most of which are more subtle than the signature neon designs you first see in-store - although the seasonal range is still definitely more suitable for those who love colors and prints. In addition to that, the 'Imperalist Tailoring' service offers bespoke or made-to-measure garments, most of which are usually evening dresses based on the qi pao design. These tend to be intricately embroidered and embellished, although you can also select a simple pattern. If you choose to enter the main flagship in Central via the back entrance (the one pictured above), this corner will be the first you see - filled with rolls of Chinese silk in the most glorious colors and prints. Ready-made jackets, gowns and coats hang from antique carved racks, while additional elements, such as the vintage sewing machine or small statues add a charming touch.

Overview of the ground floor (top), along with a selection of seasonal and classic Shanghai Tang pieces (bottom).

Mannequins wearing modern versions of the qi pao (left) and coats lined along a rack (right).

The very grand cash desk towards the front entrance (left). Leather bags and clutches on display (right).

The interior of Shanghai Tang alone is worth visiting the store. It's like stepping back in time, although I'm quite sure shopping in ancient China was a lot less luxurious. Antique furniture can be found throughout the store, while wooden floors alternate with mosaic tiles. What I love most is that the minute you step into the flagship, a wonderful scent of jasmine envelopes you. This home fragrance can of course be purchased as well. The ground level is where you'll find most of the garments, bags and other accessories such as scarves. Heading out of the bespoke area, I was greeted by a few of the FW09 'Kaleidoscope' looks, along with the classics such as velvet Chinese jackets with a neon-colored lining (the same of course available in silk). More contemporary qi paos in bright hues could be found here as well and a large selection of scarves made of silk and Mongolian cashmere (they were double-lined and reversible) captured my attention for a while. Towards the front entrance, large shelves displayed leather bags, many included Chinese elements, such as a jade clasp featuring a vintage coin design.

The very chic seating area in the middle of the store (top) with a view of the bespoke area (left) and a TV displaying the runway show (right).

A few of the more neutral pieces (left), but there are plenty of prints as well, such as the floral tees and patterned dresses (right).

More casual sportswear (left) and the very tempting scarf rack (right).

Most of the people I came across while shopping here seemed to be tourists, but a few locals could be found looking for last-minute Christmas gifts (I visited on Christmas Eve). In general, I'm not entirely sure if any of the hip cool locals would venture in here, as the pricing is as high as any other luxury brand and I'm guessing they'd prefer to spend their cash on Margiela or Rick Owens, rather than go for something that's even remotely traditional or non-Western. Of course plenty of the items were modern enough for everyday wear and the silk pieces were truly stunning. Others did seem a tad matronly (at least to me), especially the printed floral numbers. In some cases it really is impossible to modernize a design that's too traditional.

One floor down... menswear.

The main home decor and gifts area (left) which included a range of jewelry and other small accessories.

Shanghai Tang's most popular items however are probably in the basement. While wearing a classic Chinese garment (however neon colored it may be) might still seem too uncool for some, loading up on funky Chinese inspired trinkets on the other hand is always fun. This also happens to be my favorite area and if you thought home decor was boring, this place may change your mind. If you happen to be shopping with a guy, he may want to check out the menswear section first, which is slightly more low-key than the women's range. Polo and rugby shirts adorned with 'Hong Kong' or the Shanghai Tang logo make great souvenirs, while many of the jackets and shirts are fairly plain and less obviously branded.

An elaborate table setting and a few cute goldfish cups and teapots...

Fancy a colorful bathrobe? Or perhaps a green and pink quilt?

A basket full of Shanghai Tang pandas... I'm sure they're not just for kids (left) and the children's department (right).

The rest of the main area is dedicated entirely to homeware and gifts. Key pieces included enamel jewelry boxes, satin pouches, cutlery and chopstick sets, tableware, leather bookmarks, linen, quilts, suitcases and even laptop and iPod holders. Smaller counters along the center displayed wallets, jewelry and watches along with notebooks, photo frames and pens. A four-poster bed featured beautiful silk bedspreads, while the children's section towards the end contained clothing, toys and gifts for the little ones. I've found this floor to be the best place to get presents for friends and family living outside Hong Kong and thankfully the pricing of these items isn't as steep as some of the clothing can be.

A very impressive bed and a matching divan nearby.

Holdalls and carry cases (left), jewelry pouches (top right) and printed notebooks and trays (bottom right).

Shanghai Tang has expanded quite a bit since it's launch and flagships can be found in various European and American cities. It's definitely a fun place to browse and the general store aesthetic is visible in all outlets. Of course if you live far from any boutique, there's no need to worry: an extensive online store caters to those who can't just drop by a brick & mortar version, so check it out if you get the chance. But be warned... those bright-colored goodies can be quite addictive...

Two beautiful gowns from the 'Imperial Tailoring' range (images: Shanghai Tang).

A selection of items from the online store, including jewelry, bags and the signature reversible jacket on the lower right (images: Shanghai Tang).

Address: Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-20:00, Sun: 10:00-19:00
Shanghai Tang Homepage & Online-Shop