“Business is better this year,” says Peter Thaba, who works at a custom tailors in Bangkok’s famous MBK shopping mall.
Like other retailers Mr. Thaba was keen to make up for losses incurred from last year’s massive anti-government protests which saw many overseas tourists think twice about visiting Thailand.
“Our customers are 100 percent foreigners. Thai’s don’t like wearing suits,” he said.
Despite the political upheaval of recent years, Australian shopping guru and author Wendy Johnson says Bangkok is still seen as a safe destination and remains an exotic location for international shoppers.
Upmarket stores such as Gucci and D&G, as well as little down the scale labels such as Spanish label Zara and Malaysian British India, she says, are easily found along with a strong array of Thai designers.
“Asian design and products are very in style around the world and the craftsmanship and stylish design of Thailand is legendary,” said Ms. Johnson. “Many young Thai designers are adapting innovative Western design with the elegance of the East.”
“[There’s] local designer such as Zenithorial, Flynow, Greyhound and Kai Boutique, and of course the attraction with Thai designers is you are taking home something new, innovative and different to what your friends will have,” said Ms. Johnson.
Shopping options in the Thai capital are varied. Its prestigious marbled malls and department stores are glamorous – the best known ones such as Siam Paragon and Emporium can be found along the city’s Sukhumvit Road.
The major malls and department stores, Ms. Johnson said, all have discount cards for tourists that are available at information counters (just remember to take your passport with you).
“Foreign visitors (however not airline crews) can also claim a refund of the 7 percent VAT refund on goods over 5,000 baht and single purchase over 2,000 per day,” she said.
“You must present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form to customs officers for inspection before you check-in, so leave extra time when you arrive at the airport,” said Ms. Johnson. Shoppers should check out the conditions prior to arriving in Bangkok she advised.
Ms. Johnson also suggests international shoppers should do some research and be aware of prices in their own country.
“There is nothing worse than arriving home to discover your exotic bargain is available for the same price just down the road,” she said.
“Good quality Thai silk is affordable and in brilliant jewel colours can look outstanding as curtains and bedcovers as well as accents items,” she said.
Outside of the air conditioned glamour malls and department stores, Bangkok also offers more adventurous shopping experiences with the weekend’s Chatuchak Market being a highlight.
“[At Chatuchak Markets it is] where many up and coming young designers try out their products. There is a lot of junk, some fun some not, but keep it to a few hours and you will enjoy,” said Ms. Johnson.
With over 15,000 booths spread over 27 acres, the Chatuchak Market is one of the biggest weekend markets in the world. Beyond fashion items there are antiques, art, jewellery and exotic pets that can be found up for sale.
The market’s website says it has over 200,000 visitors on each day of the weekend and estimates that 30 percent of those are overseas visitors.
Bargaining or haggling is the way to buy at the market but there’s no one set of rules says Cat Nongnapad a vendor who sells her “Crazy Cat” handmade slippers, mostly to overseas buyers.
“The more slippers you buy the bigger discount you get,” she says adding that her business also does wholesale.
Many of the Chatuchak Market’s booths, such as that occupied by artist Sontaya Mameemai, can also arrange shipping and packaging of any purchased goods. In his case, Mr. Sontaya assists with the shipping of those larger acrylic works of art painted onto wood panelling or corrugated iron that he sells to foreign customers.
This year Chatuchak Market is also partaking in selling of locally made products made under the One Tambon One Product scheme which have been included in this year’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” that is usually a huge shopping festival associated with brand-names.
In its 14th year, this nationwide sale runs from June 15 to August 15 and is organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand together with VISA International and tourism related agencies.
On an end note Ms. Johnson added that the city’s traffic congestion offers some challenges to visitors but offered one more piece of good advice.
“The traffic can be a major problem especially if you have limited time and want to see and do as much as possible, a good alternative is the sky train or the metro across the city and then use a taxi at the end of your journey if it is too far from the station to walk,” said Ms. Johnson.
2011年5月31日星期二
2011年5月29日星期日
Are Dubai residents suffering from brand addiction?
Karen Thompson loves to shop. Her motto in life is ‘Forget the diamonds, when you have plastic as your best friend'. Plastic, of course, refers to her trusty old credit card (or five) that facilitate her expeditions with faith and finesse.
While most would gauge that Thompson suffers from your average compulsive shopping disorder those who know her realise it's much more than that. For Thompson leads a life suffering from obsessive brand disorder.
“Nothing but the best will do,” says close friend Stacey Josephs. “If it's a t-shirt, it has to be D&G; the shoes come from Bruno Magli's finest and even her kids aren't spared the Armani Junior fashion parade.”
So, what is it about the tag that makes her tick? Dr Amit Sethi, specialist psychologist describes this as a basic onset of an addiction. “Addictive disorders are characterised by the failure to control behaviour, an increased tension prior to a behaviour and pleasure while experiencing the behaviour.”
In Thompson's case, this addiction has escalated to the extent that it has placed her family in a deep financial debt.
Shopoholic anonymous
Compulsive brand buying has become the new buzz phrase in the industry, where big brand names are often made out to be the villains in the scenario.
Says Marcus Fernandez, a media buyer in Dubai: “Companies today realise that people in Dubai have a much higher disposable income, because let's face it, we are a relatively tax free society who are also quite media savvy. The full page advertisements and the giant bill boards down Sheikh Zayed Road prove that ‘yes, people are watching and more importantly, they are spending'.”
Today, a simple trip down to the Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates has become an advertising opportunity. If the giant popular travel agency hoarding is any indication, then people are not only taking noticing and getting influenced.
Dr Sethi adds that heavy advertising plays a major role as a psychological influencer in people opting for the particular brand they do. “Also, these days brands are being heavily endorsed by prominent celebrities whom people look up to as national heroes, role models, or just someone they like to emulate or follow.”
Case in point is popular Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and her endorsement of the soft drink giant Coca Cola industries. Not one to be left behind, David Beckham-Pepsi, Gwen Stefani-Chanel and even popular Indian icon Amitabh Bachchan and Tanishq jewellery are fine examples.
Keeping up with the Jones'
In a place like Dubai though, research has shown that buying habits are influenced by a lot more than mere public adverts.
Says Fashionista Majorie Williams, a personal wardrobe consultant in Dubai: “People in Dubai have their finger on the pulse when it comes to things like fashion. And when they see that a particular brand of jeans, shoes or fashion accessory has becomes the latest ‘in' thing, then they want to be among the first to grab it and show it off.”
Dr Sethi says that the landscape of the world we live in has changed considerably, becoming very competitive on all levels. Be it kids in high school or university, people working in lower-, middle- or senior-management and more importantly, even the type of home they live in - everything has to be on display.
Shalini Sharma, an advertising executive, explains: “Dubai is very materialistic, which is why a lot of the women here end up with an inferiority complex. At the end of the day, keeping up with the Jones' is not an easy job, you have to have the mansion in the Arabian Ranches, your 2.5 kids studying in JESS, seen shopping for groceries at Spinneys, while juggling your hair appointment on the iPhone 4, as you pick up the kids from ballet in the Maserati.
“And if handling all that isn't enough, your designer sunglasses, skinny jeans and ballet shoes have to be seen and admired by all and sundry.”
Dr Sethi describes this phenomenon as a basic thirst in all strata of society to have an improved quality of life given the increased exposure to what everyone else is doing/buying/having.
“If one home purchases a BMW in a certain locality, it is bound that there is pressure on other homes to own a similar or better car. To get one up, households compete, therefore, there is a constant urge to keep up to the societal expectations and societal statuses,” he says.
Although debatable, the underlying reasons are most often associated to a sense of power, self-confidence and a role identity in the society. “Dubai is a very materialistic and socially structured society. What you wear, drive or where you shop clearly associates you to a particular class of the society. Therefore in my opinion it comes across as a big deal in Dubai,” Dr Sethi further explains.
“It is strange though that in the US, which is arguably the biggest influencer on any form of brand buying, trends show that people are moving away from the big brands and opting for more generic options,” states Fernandez.
“Famous architect Karim Rashid recently gave a talk on brand shopping, and it was interesting to see that he name dropped celebrities like Alec Baldwin and Sarah Jessica Parker giving the Armanis' and Saks Fifth Avenue a skip to shop at the chain clothing store GAP. So, what we see today around us is mainly a Dubai thing.”
Make the cut
While Josephs and Thompson's husband took the extreme route and cut up Karen's credit cards, Dr Sethi suggests looking behind the emotional reactions and searching out answers for the cause.
“Depression, boredom or emotional distress is what usually sets off an impulse to shop,” he suggests. “Because shopping gives compulsive brand buyers a sort of euphoria or a ‘high', they go down this route looking for some comfort.”
Unfortunately, this vulnerable state makes them extremely dependant on advertising as a guide and therefore they will buy things to make them feel more powerful, attractive, or secure.
But Dr Sethi warns that this can end up as a vicious cycle. “There is usually a phase of feeling letdown, followed by guilt over the wasted money or debt. This leads to depression, which can set off another episode of compulsive buying.”
Treatment of compulsive shopping may be more complicated than treating a physical addiction, like drug or alcohol abuse, because shopping is not something that can be avoided altogether.
“Compulsive shopping is similar to the condition of compulsive overeating where the pattern of compulsive behaviour must be addressed in order to get the shopping to a normal, healthy level. There are some things the compulsive shopper can do to help get their shopping down to a normal level,” states Dr Sethi.
This may include things like avoiding temptation, making funds difficult to access or distracting self with another activity when there is an impulse to shop. While these methods can greatly help towards recovery, professional help is still essential.
“It's very important that psychological problems are identified and treated. Without proper treatment, compulsive shoppers may stop shopping only to replace the object of their affection with other compulsive and or addictive behaviours,” warns Dr Sethi.
While most would gauge that Thompson suffers from your average compulsive shopping disorder those who know her realise it's much more than that. For Thompson leads a life suffering from obsessive brand disorder.
“Nothing but the best will do,” says close friend Stacey Josephs. “If it's a t-shirt, it has to be D&G; the shoes come from Bruno Magli's finest and even her kids aren't spared the Armani Junior fashion parade.”
So, what is it about the tag that makes her tick? Dr Amit Sethi, specialist psychologist describes this as a basic onset of an addiction. “Addictive disorders are characterised by the failure to control behaviour, an increased tension prior to a behaviour and pleasure while experiencing the behaviour.”
In Thompson's case, this addiction has escalated to the extent that it has placed her family in a deep financial debt.
Shopoholic anonymous
Compulsive brand buying has become the new buzz phrase in the industry, where big brand names are often made out to be the villains in the scenario.
Says Marcus Fernandez, a media buyer in Dubai: “Companies today realise that people in Dubai have a much higher disposable income, because let's face it, we are a relatively tax free society who are also quite media savvy. The full page advertisements and the giant bill boards down Sheikh Zayed Road prove that ‘yes, people are watching and more importantly, they are spending'.”
Today, a simple trip down to the Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates has become an advertising opportunity. If the giant popular travel agency hoarding is any indication, then people are not only taking noticing and getting influenced.
Dr Sethi adds that heavy advertising plays a major role as a psychological influencer in people opting for the particular brand they do. “Also, these days brands are being heavily endorsed by prominent celebrities whom people look up to as national heroes, role models, or just someone they like to emulate or follow.”
Case in point is popular Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and her endorsement of the soft drink giant Coca Cola industries. Not one to be left behind, David Beckham-Pepsi, Gwen Stefani-Chanel and even popular Indian icon Amitabh Bachchan and Tanishq jewellery are fine examples.
Keeping up with the Jones'
In a place like Dubai though, research has shown that buying habits are influenced by a lot more than mere public adverts.
Says Fashionista Majorie Williams, a personal wardrobe consultant in Dubai: “People in Dubai have their finger on the pulse when it comes to things like fashion. And when they see that a particular brand of jeans, shoes or fashion accessory has becomes the latest ‘in' thing, then they want to be among the first to grab it and show it off.”
Dr Sethi says that the landscape of the world we live in has changed considerably, becoming very competitive on all levels. Be it kids in high school or university, people working in lower-, middle- or senior-management and more importantly, even the type of home they live in - everything has to be on display.
Shalini Sharma, an advertising executive, explains: “Dubai is very materialistic, which is why a lot of the women here end up with an inferiority complex. At the end of the day, keeping up with the Jones' is not an easy job, you have to have the mansion in the Arabian Ranches, your 2.5 kids studying in JESS, seen shopping for groceries at Spinneys, while juggling your hair appointment on the iPhone 4, as you pick up the kids from ballet in the Maserati.
“And if handling all that isn't enough, your designer sunglasses, skinny jeans and ballet shoes have to be seen and admired by all and sundry.”
Dr Sethi describes this phenomenon as a basic thirst in all strata of society to have an improved quality of life given the increased exposure to what everyone else is doing/buying/having.
“If one home purchases a BMW in a certain locality, it is bound that there is pressure on other homes to own a similar or better car. To get one up, households compete, therefore, there is a constant urge to keep up to the societal expectations and societal statuses,” he says.
Although debatable, the underlying reasons are most often associated to a sense of power, self-confidence and a role identity in the society. “Dubai is a very materialistic and socially structured society. What you wear, drive or where you shop clearly associates you to a particular class of the society. Therefore in my opinion it comes across as a big deal in Dubai,” Dr Sethi further explains.
“It is strange though that in the US, which is arguably the biggest influencer on any form of brand buying, trends show that people are moving away from the big brands and opting for more generic options,” states Fernandez.
“Famous architect Karim Rashid recently gave a talk on brand shopping, and it was interesting to see that he name dropped celebrities like Alec Baldwin and Sarah Jessica Parker giving the Armanis' and Saks Fifth Avenue a skip to shop at the chain clothing store GAP. So, what we see today around us is mainly a Dubai thing.”
Make the cut
While Josephs and Thompson's husband took the extreme route and cut up Karen's credit cards, Dr Sethi suggests looking behind the emotional reactions and searching out answers for the cause.
“Depression, boredom or emotional distress is what usually sets off an impulse to shop,” he suggests. “Because shopping gives compulsive brand buyers a sort of euphoria or a ‘high', they go down this route looking for some comfort.”
Unfortunately, this vulnerable state makes them extremely dependant on advertising as a guide and therefore they will buy things to make them feel more powerful, attractive, or secure.
But Dr Sethi warns that this can end up as a vicious cycle. “There is usually a phase of feeling letdown, followed by guilt over the wasted money or debt. This leads to depression, which can set off another episode of compulsive buying.”
Treatment of compulsive shopping may be more complicated than treating a physical addiction, like drug or alcohol abuse, because shopping is not something that can be avoided altogether.
“Compulsive shopping is similar to the condition of compulsive overeating where the pattern of compulsive behaviour must be addressed in order to get the shopping to a normal, healthy level. There are some things the compulsive shopper can do to help get their shopping down to a normal level,” states Dr Sethi.
This may include things like avoiding temptation, making funds difficult to access or distracting self with another activity when there is an impulse to shop. While these methods can greatly help towards recovery, professional help is still essential.
“It's very important that psychological problems are identified and treated. Without proper treatment, compulsive shoppers may stop shopping only to replace the object of their affection with other compulsive and or addictive behaviours,” warns Dr Sethi.
2011年5月25日星期三
Office sale- up to 50% off
Office are usually pretty generous with the discount, so it’s time to stockpile those summer shoes now- without parting with too much cash on the whim of a trend or two. These Martha Prairee platforms, both designs £36 down from £72, instantly call to mind the D&G SS11 show- full of garden florals, and the perfect seasonal mood swinger.
2011年5月23日星期一
Dame Shirley Bassey Makes Celebrity Donation To Charity Shop
The Welsh diva has dropped off bags of top designer clothes and shoes at the George Street Barnardo's charity shop in Marylebone. Donations include a Ralph Lauren cardigan, Sonia Rykiel skirt and Davos Gomma and Paul Mayer Shoes.
Shop Manager, Russell Lewendon, said: ‘We are over the moon with this generous donation. There has already been a lot of interest in the items so people need to get down here fast if they want to snap up a celebrity bargain! It's great that Dame Shirley thought of us, as although we welcome all donations, it's a special treat to be able to sell the clothes of such a star".
In the past the Marylebone shop has seen similarly top notch donations from Jonathan Ross, Dame Helen Mirren, Rosamund Pike, Kate Winslet and model Laura Bailey. Michelle Collins and Melinda Messenger also attended the opening of the store in November 2006. Top designer names that have been found in the shop include Jenny Packham, Ben de Lisi, D&G, Gurani Stock and Vivienne Westwood.
All funds raised from the sale of these celebrity goods will go towards Barnardo's vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK. This includes work with children affected by today's most urgent issues: poverty, homelessness, disability, bereavement and abuse.
The Barnardo's Marylebone shop is located at 7 George Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3QH.
Shop Manager, Russell Lewendon, said: ‘We are over the moon with this generous donation. There has already been a lot of interest in the items so people need to get down here fast if they want to snap up a celebrity bargain! It's great that Dame Shirley thought of us, as although we welcome all donations, it's a special treat to be able to sell the clothes of such a star".
In the past the Marylebone shop has seen similarly top notch donations from Jonathan Ross, Dame Helen Mirren, Rosamund Pike, Kate Winslet and model Laura Bailey. Michelle Collins and Melinda Messenger also attended the opening of the store in November 2006. Top designer names that have been found in the shop include Jenny Packham, Ben de Lisi, D&G, Gurani Stock and Vivienne Westwood.
All funds raised from the sale of these celebrity goods will go towards Barnardo's vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK. This includes work with children affected by today's most urgent issues: poverty, homelessness, disability, bereavement and abuse.
The Barnardo's Marylebone shop is located at 7 George Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3QH.
2011年5月19日星期四
Adriana Lima vs Amber Heard - Who wore it best?
Guaranteed to make you feel bad about yourself, a Victoria Secrets Angel wearing the same dress as you!
Stunning Brazilian model Adriana Lima wore this floral and leopard print dress by Dolce & Gabbana last week. She teamed it with killer peep toe black heels and simple gold jewellery. The body con dress shows off her amazing figure and the leopard prints tones complement her olive skin tone, well jeal!
American Actress, Amber Heard was also snapped wearing the same dress back in January at the Pre-Golden Globes New York Times Style Magazine dinner in LA. The film star kept in simple with black court shoes and a small black clutch. Not sure whether her pasty legs are doing justice to this uber sexy dress D&G dress though?
You decide, who wore it best?
Me and 35mm
I'd certainly not consider myself a model, not by any stretch of the imagination. I know what a model is, and I'm not one of them. But one of the countless upsides to being the Editor of a publication like Fashionising.com is that you often get to wear different hats (yes, both literally and figuratively). You also get to meet, get to work with, get to know and love, some really great and talented people. When Lyndel Yeo and Daniel Jackson from 35mm photography asked if I'd do a shoot with them my thought bubble was of a few casual snaps in someone's backyard. But instead it turned out to be quite a luxurious affair at boutique Melbourne hotel The Blackman, with some amazing garments pulled together by the team from Melbourne Stylists. They pretty much had to prise the D&G; silk slips and Stella McCartney shoes from my hands (and feet), so perfectly chosen was their bounty.
Perhaps it's the luxury of not being in front of the camera for a living, but working on these kind of projects with the amazing people we get to meet every day becomes kind of like the fun mucking around you'd do with a bunch of friends. Aside from the genuinely fun time I had lounging around in a hotel room in D&G;, drinking wine and singing along (rather badly) to Feetwood Mac, it was also completely interesting - as shoots always are - watching the team at work. With constant pampering from hairstylist Sharah Fitzgerald and makeup artist Fiona Hughes the day went by quickly and without a dull moment. And, it must be said, Lyndel and Daniel make a fantastic team.
Perhaps it's the luxury of not being in front of the camera for a living, but working on these kind of projects with the amazing people we get to meet every day becomes kind of like the fun mucking around you'd do with a bunch of friends. Aside from the genuinely fun time I had lounging around in a hotel room in D&G;, drinking wine and singing along (rather badly) to Feetwood Mac, it was also completely interesting - as shoots always are - watching the team at work. With constant pampering from hairstylist Sharah Fitzgerald and makeup artist Fiona Hughes the day went by quickly and without a dull moment. And, it must be said, Lyndel and Daniel make a fantastic team.
2011年5月17日星期二
Io ballo da sola
Tra i look visti in passerella: per esempio, il long dress floreale, a balze, che ricorda quello che Lucy indossa mentre balla nella sala affrescata, di Alberta Ferretti. Corto e teen: il vestito a fiorellini di D&G. Candide: le proposta in tema di Dolce&Gabbana e Francis Montesinos.
Pezzi basici per vivere il trend: dal top leggero, in seta, con stampa cheers di D&G agli shorts, in corone e seta, di Ermanno Scervino. In denim scuro: lo chemisier di 7 for All Mankind. Con spalline sottili: il mini abito fantasia di Maria La Rosa. Con maxi skirt: la versione di Replay.
Tra gli accessori ideali: le ballerine in pelle intrecciata, latte e menta, di Lottusse, o quelle bicolori di Car Shoe. In testa: lo straw hat a tesa larga di Alberta Ferretti. Come bijoux: gli orecchini colorati di Hoss Intropia.
Pezzi basici per vivere il trend: dal top leggero, in seta, con stampa cheers di D&G agli shorts, in corone e seta, di Ermanno Scervino. In denim scuro: lo chemisier di 7 for All Mankind. Con spalline sottili: il mini abito fantasia di Maria La Rosa. Con maxi skirt: la versione di Replay.
Tra gli accessori ideali: le ballerine in pelle intrecciata, latte e menta, di Lottusse, o quelle bicolori di Car Shoe. In testa: lo straw hat a tesa larga di Alberta Ferretti. Come bijoux: gli orecchini colorati di Hoss Intropia.
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