femme fashionThe Statement BagBy D.B. Khoi“Show me a woman withouta handbag, and I’ll show youa man without nipples!” Isn’tthat the saying? No? OK, thenI might have just made it up. Idigress!My mother went andbought herself a Prada bag.My sister had taken her outshopping and they sent mepictures of the selections theyhad narrowed it down to and Ichose a traditional hard ribbedleather in navy blue.At first they wanted to getBurberry or Gucci, as anygood Asian woman would, butI denied them that stereotypicalprivilege and recommendedPrada. I thought the brandfitted her well; where she wasin her life, the way she dressedand most of all her personality.My mother is 57 years old,very simple, down to earth andan active lady, but she alsoattends a lot of functions andweddings during the year soshe needed a bag that waswell made, but wasn’t overlyflashy. It is her current 'Statement'bag.Every woman wants a'Statement' handbag. Be itChanel, LV, Gucci, Hermes.It’s the ultimate frontier inwomen’s shopping and fashion,and once you have oneyou can’t stop.Why do people buy thesebags? Is it for the superiorcraftsmanship and uniquedesign?You would like to think sofor the prices they’re willingto pay, but the fact is thesebags are mainly bought for thesole purpose of flashing cash.Making a socio-economicstatement that business isgood and you’re moving up inthe world.They’re a huge investmentfor a lot of people still but howmany know how to select oneproperly? I’ve seen ladies inDr Martens flip flops carryingGucci. Two great brands, notso good together. So unlessyou’re willing to change yourentire wardrobe for a bag,buy one that suits what youalready have.If you’re active and heavyhanded like my mother, gofor a tough leather brand likeBally. Are you flirty and girly?Perhaps Chanel or Fendi. Ifyou’re an edgy fashionistatype, why not Balenciaga?If you’re a bit OCD likeme, do a bit of research on abrand before purchasing. Justbecause it’s monogrammedall over, doesn’t mean it’s anice bag or it’ll suit you. Youknow that old saying, “Moneydoesn’t buy you class.” So tryto make an intellectual purchase.Happy shopping!Features a variety of leather in brightcolors and styles.Tic Tac Watch Shop72 Dong Khoi Tel: 0838 293519www.tictacwatch.comElegant show room displaying someof the world’s most recognized Swissbrands such as Rolex, Tag Huer, Baume& Marcer, Omega and Hirsch. On-sitewatch repair service and complementarywatch evaluation available. Also carries asmall collection of vintage Rolexes.Tombo145 Dong Khoi, D1Of all the embroidered and sequinedbags, shoes and tidbits (or “Zakka”shops) that can be found in Dong Khoi,this shop’s has products that are prettierthan most. Shoes can be custom-madeand the sales staff is friendly.Umbrella35 Ly Tu Trong, D1 and 4 Le Loi, D1Tel: 6276 2730www.umbrella-fashion.comSophisticated boutique showcasinga diverse range of imported women’saccessories. Also houses women’s garmentsfrom office wear to cocktail andparty creations.ACTIVE WEARRoxy and QuiksilverParkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1The original active living and extremesports brands, Roxy and Quiksilver productscombine form and function. Choosefrom outdoor gear to cool indoor clothes.TBS Sports Centre102 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanThis store stocks a range of good sportsclothes and equipment from big namebrands such as Puma, Adidas, Ecco,Nike and Converse.VolcomDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Chic and funky ladies’ apparel brand fromAmerica. Lots of tank tops, minis andshorts for day tripping with girlfriends orlazing on the beach.READY TO WEARunisexBAM Skate Shop174 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 0903 641 826In addition to a range of decks, wheelsand trucks, this small shop is stockedwith bookbags, skate sneakers, trackjackets and t-shirts emblazoned with yourskateboard company of choice.FCUK127 Le Thanh Ton, D1Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3914 7740www.frenchconnection.comTrendy UK brand with a selection offashion-forward dresses for women andsmart workwear and funky casual wearfor men, all at middle-market prices.L’Usine151/1 Dong Khoi, D1Lifestyle store and cafe housed in a periodbuilding restored to evoke the aestheticof an early 20th-century garment factory.Carries an exclusive, frequently refreshedline of imported men’s and women’s fashion,including T-shirts and footwear, and arange of unique accessories. Entrance viathe street-level Art Arcade.ReplayVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1116 Nguyen Trai, D1187 Hai Ba Trung, D3Tel: 3925 0252Wide variety of shoes, clothing, denimfor teens and university-age men andwomen. Carries boots, sandals, pumpsand sneakers at mid-range prices.RunwayVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3993 9988runway.sg@global-fashion.vnMassive and minimalist design-led interiorlets ultra high-end designer garmentsstand out. Carries men's, women's andchildren’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, accessoriesalong with home décor. Brandsinclude Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga,Sergio Rossi and Eres.Versace26 Dong KhoiDesigner brand in men’s formal wear.Houses suit jackets and trousers, shirtsas well as an array of men’s accessories.Also stocks womens clothing and shoes.menLucas69A Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3827 9670Fashion store housing contemporarydesigns in casual, office and eveningwear imported from Hong Kong.Massimo Ferrari42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3Tel: 3930 6212Bespoke menswear shop also boastsits own brand of contemporary preppyattire tailored for the tropics. Carries aline of European-quality shoes, bags andaccessories designed in-house, as wellas exclusive Orobianco unisex bags,designer fragrances and eyewear.Mattre19 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 3412This local men’s clothes shop has somefunky tops and jeans for more fashionforwardmales. Apparel in sizes that fitthe typical Western man’s frame areoften available. Another store is locatedon Hai Ba Trung and Ly Tu TrongMilanoSheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoiwww.milanogoods.comA conjoining shop with D&G offering aselection of men’s shoes and accessorieswith a sideline in women’s clothing.D&G provides a collection of menswear,from casual jeans and T-shirts to uniquelydesigned suit jackets.TimberlandParkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1Sells everything the brand is knownfor, from heavy-duty boots to tops andtrousers that are both smart and casual.The emphasis is on muted tones andunobtrusive logos for men who don’t liketo show off.womenAxaraVincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le ThanhTon, D1Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D121 Nguyen Trai, D1Tel: 3993 9399www.axara.comCarries women’s clothing suitable forwork, weekends or evening. Luxuriousfabrics and simple cuts and styles all atreasonable prices. Also carries handbagsand accessories.BalenciagaRex Hotel, 155 Nguyen HueTel: 6291 3572Sporting modern shapes and elegantitems crafted from natural, raw andartificial materials.BCBGMAXAZRIAVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1American brand sells women’s daydresses and tops, evening gowns andwear-to-work attire in many prints andcolours. Also carries a small selection ofaccessories, sunglasses and watches.BebeSaigon Center, 65 Le Loi, D1Tel: 3914 4011www.bebe.com76 asialife HCMC
An international brand that specializesin contemporary, modern tees andsexy, elegant dresse, tops and partyattire.ChloeRex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 6291 3582Parisian-influenced fashion house specializesin simple, traditional designswith a feminine and fashionable twist.Jeans, satin dresses and a wide arrayof accessories are on display.Gaya1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 39251<strong>49</strong>5Carries a range of couture and pret-aportergarments and silk and organzadresses in vibrant colours created byCambodia-based designer RomydaKeth.Geisha Boutique85 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3829 4004enquiry@geishaclothing.comFacebook: Geisha BoutiqueAustralian fashion label offering acontemporary range of casual andevening wear with an Asian influence.Printed tees, singlets, shorts, skirts,jeans, summer scarves, dresses, silkcamisoles and satin maxi dresses.KookaiSaigon Centre, 65 Le LoiFrench brand stocking classic,feminine, styles with a twist. Gypsy daydresses and classic little black dressesat mid- to high-range prices are perfectfor twenty- and thirty-somethingwomen.La Senza47B–47C Nguyen Trai, D1Tel: 3925 170065 Le Loi, Saigon Centre, D1Tel: 3914 4328www.lasenza.comBoutique carrying a wide range of bras,panties, pyjamas, accessories andlounge wear.Mango96 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 6624Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,D1A favourite with fashion-consciouswomen, this mid-range store stocksclothes from simple tees and jeans toevening wear.Marc JacobsRex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue , D1Tel: 6291 3580This spacious shop with high-ceilingscarries up-market clothes, shoes andaccessories from the internationallyrecognized designer brand.SongSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D176D Le Thanh TonOffers women’s fashion designs byValerie Gregori McKenzie, includingevening dress, tops and hats.ValencianiSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Tel: 3821 278866-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 7302 4688valenciani.sg@gmail.comwww.valenciani.comHomegrown luxury boutique carries silkdresses, velvet corsets, chiffon shawlsand a range of accessories, all designedin-house.SHOESCharles & Keith10 Mac Thi Buoi, 18-20 Nguyen TraiTel: 3925 1132Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,D1www.charleskeith.comSingapore brand housing youthful andtrendy shoes of a contemporary, highfashion design.Converse186 Hai Ba Trung, D1148 Nguyen Trai, D1122 Ba Thang Hai, D10Tel: 3827 5584www.converse.com.vnSells iconic Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcelland All-Star sneakers and Conversebrand clothing and accessories. Also atdepartment stores around HCMC.Dr. Marten’s173 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3822 4710Air Wair sandals and shoes here featurethe classic yellow stitching and chunkyrubber soles. Also stocked with clothesand accessories by Replay and Kappatracksuit tops.Sergio Rossi146AB Pasteur, D1Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1World-renowned Italian brand stocks adiverse European-style collection of upmarketshoes and bags made of qualitymaterials, from crocodile and pythonskin laterals to garnishings of Swarovskicrystals and colourful beads.TAILORSDieu Thanh140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851www.dieuthanh.comExperienced tailor shop specializes inswimwear and cotton clothing, as wellas business suits, evening dresses,luxury fabrics and accessories.Massimo Ferrari42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3Tel: 3930 6212Traditional Italian sartorial techniquesare employed to offer a full wardrobingservice and custom tailoring for men.Stocked with imported fabrics primarilyfrom Italy. In-office and workplace fittingsavailable.LINH‘S WHITEPLEASANT LIVING MINIMALISM37 THAO DIEN(OPPOSITE AN PHU SUPERMARKET)67 XUAN THUY - DISTRICT 2PHONE: (84) - 62819863- 62818488E : linhnguyen@hbdecor.com.vn - www.linhfurniture.comasialife HCMC 77
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