style for gentsThe Grunge YearsBy Brett DavisThe comedy show Portlandia,now in its second season andgaining something of a cult following,pokes affectionate funat the city of Portland, Oregonwhere according to a hilariousopening musical number inthe very first episode, “Thedream of the 90s is alive.” Thepremise of the show is thatmany of the city’s inhabitantshave not moved on from thehalcyon days when the worldtook its cultural cues from thePacific Northwest, particularlyPortland’s larger neighbour,Seattle.Recently there have beenstirrings in sections of thefashion world that the industrystaple of a nostalgia trend isupon us. This time it is thedecade of the 1990s in thecrosshairs. Twenty years orso seems to be the gestationperiod for these things.It couldn’t be a true 90srevival of course without flyingthe flannel flag. We used tobuy our flannel shirts for afew dollars at the cheapest ofdiscount clothing stores. Nowyou can find flannel shirts atmany more up-scale men’soutfitters that can be dressedup as well as down, althoughexpect to pay significantlymore than back in the day.Boots like the ever-cool DocMartens or just steel-cappedconstruction boots were afavourite of the period. If youwant to modernise the looksomewhat you can checkout more classic styles ofthe walking boot. Again, thiswould enable you to transitionfrom the outdoors tothe office. Basketball shoeswere huge business in the90s (everyone had to ‘be likeMike’), and many companies,such as Nike, have re<strong>issue</strong>dvintage basketball shoes thatare actually more reminiscentof something from a decade ortwo earlier, but are much morepreferable to the air pocket,built-in pump gimmickry of the90s versions.I guess one positive, inmy opinion, with the returnof a 90s aesthetic is a moveto roomier cuts in jeans.The skinny kids have beendominating in recent years,so something that is mildlyon-trend for those who do nothave toothpicks for legs is verywelcome.All this nostalgia is fine, butis the decade something wereally want to revisit? Perhapsthat depends on if you livedit the first time round. KurtCobain is no longer with usbut Dave Grohl is still rockingit, Although, I guess if you areDave Grohl you can do whateverthe hell you want.Nostalgia trends are probablybest enjoyed by thoseyoung enough to be discoveringit for the first time. For therest of us, it might just be agood excuse to pull out thoseold albums we haven’t listenedto for a long time.LIGHTINGLuxury Light1483 My Toan 1, Nguyen Van Linh,Phu My Hung, D7For those who really want to bring atouch of luxury to their homes, this placedeals with Italian imported lighting fromthe ultra - modern to the traditionalMurano style chandeliers. Extremely expensivereflecting the quality of the designand workmanship.Mosaique98 Mac Thi Buoi, D1One of the best and most diverse selectionsof lamps in town with everythingfrom the ordinary decorative lotus silklamp to more inventive and originaldesigns in lacquer and silk.MOTORBIKESBike City480D Nguyen Thi Thap, D7Luxury motorcycle shop carries a rangeof accessories, including apparel. SellsVemar helmets, a brand that passesrigorous European Union standards.Protec Helmets18bis/3A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1248C Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan417B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3American nonprofit manufacturer makeshelmets with densely compressed polystyreneshell with ABS, PVC or fiberglassexterior, available with polycarbonateshatter-proof shield. Options for kids.Zeus HelmetsFounded in Taiwan to manufacture cool,comfortable helmets that meet worldwidesafety standards. Basic models featurethermo-injected shells constructed fromlightweight ABS composite with interiorslined with moisture-absorbant brushednylon.REAL ESTATECB Richard EllisMe Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke, D1Tel: 3824 6125www.cbre.comInternational property consultants anddevelopers with both commercial andprivate properties for sale, lease and rent.Diamond Plaza34 Le Duan StreetTel: 3822 1922lntdung@diamondplaza.com.vnLocated in the heart of District 1, connectedto Diamond PLaza. Services1- to 4-bedroom apartments with gym,swimming pool and panoramic views ofthe city.InterContinental Asiana SaigonResidencesCorner of Hai Ba Trung & Nguyen Du,D1 Tel: 3520 8888saigon@interconti.comwww.intercontinental.com/saigonresContemporary residential space in theheart of the major business and culturalarea in District 1. There are 260 one, twoor three-bedroom units plus health cluband outdoor swimming pool.NamhouseCorporation48A Tran NgocDien, Thao Dien, D2Tel: 0989 007 700, 0989 115 511www.namhouse.com.vnProvides rental properties, constructionservices and interior decorating. Supportsprofessional services and after-sales.Riverside Apartments53 Vo Truong Toan, D2Tel: 3744 4111www.riverside-apartments.comOne of the first luxury serviced apartmentsin town located next to the SaigonRiver set in lush tropical gardens.Savills Viet NamLevel 18, Fideco Tower, 81-85 HamNghi, D1 Tel: 823 9205www.savills.com.vnSavills Viet Nam is a property serviceprovider that has been established inVietnam since 1995 offering research,advisory services, residential sales, commercialleasing, asset management, retailadvisory, valuation, investment advisoryand more.Sherwood Residence127 Pasteur St., D3Tel: 3823 2288Fax: 3823 9880Hotline: 0917470058leasing@sherwoodresidence.comwww.sherwoodresidence.comSherwood Residence is a luxury servicedapartment property and the first propertycertified by the Vietnam National Administrationof Tourism. Modern living spacesmeet prime location, comfort and classwith 5-star facilities and service.SnapTel: 0989 816 676www.snap.com.vnOnline Real Estate serviceproviding information on rental propertiesexclusively in District 2. Full listings online.RECRUITMENTHR2B / Talent Recruitment JSCThien Son Building, 5 Nguyen GiaThieu, D3 Tel: 3930 8800www.hr2b.comHR consulting advises businesses onhow to improve employee productivity.The search team specializes in matchingsenior level Vietnamese professionals andmanagers to top level opportunities inboth major cities.Opus Vietnam2A Rolanno Offices, 128 Nguyen PhiKhanh, D1 Tel: 3827 8209www.opusasia.netEstablished in HCMC in 2005, Opus serviceslocal and multinational companiesseeking to recruit high quality personnel.An Associate of Horton International, oneof the world’s leading search groups withover 30 offices worldwide. For more infocontact info@opusasia.net.RELOCATION AGENTSAllied PickfordsSatra Building, Room 202, 58 DongKhoi, D1 Tel: 08 3823 3454Kevin.hamilton@alliedpickfords.com.vnhttp://vn.alliedpickfords.comMoving and relocating services companyspecializing in business and office moves.Overseas and specialist movers alsoavailable.Crown WorldwideMovers48A Huynh ManDat, Binh ThanhTel: 3823 4127www.crownrelo.comInternational moving company servingdiplomats and private customers, employeesand expats, providing domesticand iternational transportation of household,office and industrial goods.Santa Fe Relocation ServicesThien Son Building, 5 NguyenGia Thieu, D3Tel: 3933 0065www.santaferelo.comProvides a range of services includinghome/school search, language/culturaltraining, tenancy management and immigration/visasupport.STATIONERYPi-Channel45B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3822 0253www.pi-channel.comBoutique shop carries up-marketcollections of pens and notepads, aswell as desktop organisers, clocks,calendars and frames. Corporateservices offered.74 asialife HCMC
listingsfashionACCESSORIESAccessorizeVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,D1www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorizeFashion-forward accessories includingnecklaces, handbags, wallets, flip-flops,sunglasses, hair accessories, belts andmore.Alfred DunhillDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1A timeless style in male luxury providingformal and casual mens accesoriestailored for the discerning man. Alsostocking handcrafted leather goods.Anupa Boutique17/27 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 38257307anupaboutiquevietnam@anupa.netThe ever-changing boutique retails inthe elegant design of anupa accessoriesmade from high-quality leather. Collectionsavailable range from men, women,executive, travel, spa, yoga, boardgames, boxes and semi-precious stonejewellery. Collection changes on weeklybasis. Also carries toys, stationery,Unitdot Bamboo eye wear, Ella Charlottescarves and ladies' apparel brandThings of Substance.BallyRex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1www.experience.bally.comFlagship store in the Rex Hotel providingluxury Italian-made accessories for men.Among these are shoes, belts, walletsand a collection of male jewellery.Banana128 Ly Tu Trong, D1Women’s accessories and more, frombags, clutches and belts to clothes andjewellery, all at reasonable prices.CartierDiamond Plaza, 34 Le DuanThis well-known designer branddisplays a wide range of accessories formen. Famous for its watches, Cartieralso stocks pens, key rings, belts andsunglasses.Cincinati177P Dong Khoi, D1www.cincinati.vninfo@cincinati.vnVietnamese brand of genuine leatherbags, shoes, accessories and personalgoods for men and women: notebooksfor a classic vagabond look. Qualityleather from crocodile, horse, snake andfish made by local craftsmanship.Cleo-Pearls30 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2Tel: 091 3587 690Jewellery designer Birgit Maier operatesCleo-Pearls from her home, specializingin necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keyholders and bag accessories. All piecescreated with gemstones, fresh waterpearls and beads.Coconut100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1Bags of all shapes and sizes rule theroost in this small shop. Made of silkand embroidered to the brim, theseunique bags start at about USD $30,and many are suitable for both day andnight.Creation105 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 5429A two-storey shop selling scarves, intricatehandbags (from USD $30), tailormadesilk dresses and tops. Has a widerange of materials on the second floor.Gallery vivekkevinFAFILM Building, 6 Thai Van Lung, D1Tel: 6291 3709info@vivekkevin.comwww.galeryvivekkevin.comHandcrafted pendants, necklaces, ringsand bracelets. The gallery’s focus is ondesign, craftsmanship and finish, as wellas educating clients on the intricacies ofeach piece.Gucci88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 6688Located on the main shopping street inHCMC, this flagship store brings Florentinefashion to an array of luxury leathergoods such as briefcases, luggage anda selection of men’s shoes for office ormore casual occasions.Ipa-Nima71 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 365277 Dong Khoi, D1Well-known Hanoi-based fashion brand.Founder Christina Yu is a former lawyerturned designer who produces eclecticand eye-catching handbags. Also stockscostume jewellery and shoes.J. Silver803 Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7Tel: 5411 1188Make a statement without being ostentatiouswith handcrafted silver jewelleryfrom the boutique store. Expect big,interesting pieces that are simple yetglamorous.Laura V Signature11 Dong Du, D1Tel: 7304 4126www.laurav.netVintage designs aplenty with everythingfrom jewellery and hair accessories tofunky styled sunglasses, umbrellas andcolourful maxi dresses.Louis VuittonOpera View, 161 Dong Khoi, D1Tel: 3827 6318Designer brand name housing traditionalcraftsmanship of luxury leather goods formen and women. An array of bags, wallets,cuff links and watches are available.Mai O Mai4C Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 4007A superb little place with beautiful jewelleryand accessories to suit all budgets.Silver necklaces, bracelets, rings andmore in both classic and imaginativedesigns, as well as gorgeous handembroideredbags.Mont BlancDiamond Plaza, 34 Le DuanNotable for fine writing instruments,Mont Blanc also houses cuff links andother male accessoriesRimowa1st Floor OperaViewTower, 161 Dong Khoi, D1Tel: 3832 6941hotline@rimowavietnam.comThe German luggage maker is popularwith a who’s who of the celebrity world.Their range of cases come in varyingsizes and are made from high-tech materialsto provide exceptional durabilitywhile remaining very light weight.ScorpionVincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le ThanhTon, D1 Tel: 3993 9889www.scorpionbag.comSelling high-end leather products forboth men and women, including shoes,handbags, belts and other accessories.asialife HCMC 75
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