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In Hong Kong (All the funki stuff)
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"Central" As said a million times before...Central is one of the funkiest places in Hong Kong. I can't believe some people would actually think that Central is no more than a business area!! Firstly, Central is a diverse shopping area...although not as great as Causeway Bay in terms of shopping. If you're looking to shop in the more "sophisticated, urban and sleek" zone, Central is the place.
Because I know you won't read EVERYTHING
that's here (because it IS a lot) so for quicker reference: The Landmark (Queen's Road) - For the people who have too much money You see it right as you walk out of the Ferry Pier - "The Landmark". A block of stores aimed for the hip and fashionable people that have more money to spend. For example, there is a "Louis Vuitton", "Christian Dior", "Kenzo", "Burberry" and "Versace" there along with other top brands. HMV can also be found in the Landmark and this HMV is pretty big and covers a wide range of music (pretty close to the HMV in Tsim Sha Tsui). The Landmark is filled with labelled products :D I liiiiiiiike Prince's Building (Opp. The Landmark) - More into "lifestyle" "Prince's Building" is located opposite the "Landmark". Similar to the Landmark, Prince's Building is aimed at the hip and rich. Boosting brands such as "Ralph Lauren", "Escada", "Boss - Hugo Boss", "Brooks Brothers" and "Chanel". Personally, I think "Prince's Building" is a perfect photo spot, especially in the daylight because from the outside, you can see all the store windows of "Chanel", "Ralph Lauren" (Pronounced like the girl's name)are so amazing. Apart from the fashion stores, Princes Building also has the supermarket version of Olivers (2nd floor...next to Oliver's Super Sandwiches). It's similar to "Great" foods selling food products from the USA and Europe (they even have small "Ben & Jerry's" ice cream cartons!). You can also find "Dymocks" and "Bed & Bath" in here. Prince's Building and The Landmark are one of the things that make Central so beautiful :D Pedder Street - Labels...old AND new "Pedder Street" is more Western based. It's a street lined with labelled items that are sure to appeal to everyone (but maybe not to everyone's wallet). The items on sale are more sophisticated and so are aimed at adults rather than teens. For one, "The Landmark" is already located on Pedder Street so that's already something to look out for on that street. On the opposite side of the street are various stores that aim to satisfy all couture freaks. Hot "Shanghai Tang" can be found in the form of an amazingly decorated store just steps from the MTR exit. (Shanghai Tang is in that pretty place shown in that picture on your right) Hollywood Road - Antique digging or LOMO loving! "Hollywood Road" is a long road lined with stores selling all bits and pieces. You're bound to find something you like there if you dig around (remember, it takes patience to shop well). The most prominent shops there are antique shops. Hollywood Road is a stretch of antique shops one after another. (Here's a random input - "Amnesia" can be found on Hollywood Road - a very nice club in Hong Kong Uncle Joe regularly plays in). My favourite shop in Central is also on Hollywood Road - "First Floor" (24 Hollywood Road). First Floor offers lifestyle products including LOMO gear (that's where I got my first LOMO cam - my lovely Holga 120 SF). LOMO products on First Floor include Holga Cams, LC-A's, SuperSampler, the new Super Flash Sampler, LOMO books and files etc. They also have a lot of nice, cute random objects that follow the design and living rule. Once you go there, you'll understand why I love it so much. Very near First Floor is a random stall that sells some Mao stuff...anyone interested in Mao ZheDong can start digging around there. You'll find Mao coins, hats and all that stuff. Wyndham Street - Hysteric is "just a kiss away" Most importantly, on "Wyndham Street" you can find "Hysteric Glamour" - the first in Hong Kong (the 2nd being in Harbour City). The Hysteric Glamour there isn't huge but at least it's there! This Japanese brand has always been popular with the female population in Hong Kong and so many of you would be familiar with this store anyways...although not as well worn in places such as the US, this brand has graced the closets of Carrie from "Sex and the City" and can be matched to such brands as "Vivienne Westwood". Wyndham Street is also home to the only "Toni & Guy" salon in Hong Kong. For people craving for Toni & Guy hair products but can't seem to find them anywhere apart from off the internet, pay a visit to the salon and pick up some stuff direct from the Hong Kong branch. Wellington Street - alain mikli and Starbucks
Lyndhurst Terrace - Aluminium Turning in from Wellington Street, you'll find "Lyndhurst Terrace". Lined with stores selling random home decor objects. Stores here offer bed lining, home accessories and assorted candle and incensce products. The main focus here though would be furniture store "aluminium" (urban living). This furniture store offers sleek designs for the unique and hip houses. Not only is the interior and exterior of the store hip (lighted floorboards and dimmed lighting), there is an instantly recognisable style in the store - natural hipness. The store offers more than furniture, it offers a lifestyle. The products on sale are all works of distinguished designers (aluminium also imports products from "innovation" - Thom Filicia from "Queer Eye For the Straight Guy" used products from "Innovation" to redecorate Alan Corey's house in Episode 11. Remember the Phantom chair (the white one) and the light up table? All from Innovation). Although "aluminium" sells urban and hip furniture, the pricing isn't as out of the world as you may expect. Especially since they're doing a promo sale now. Most sofas have been cut down to under $2000 and even the designer chairs are under $2000. "aluminium" is not all about furniture though. It also offers LOMO products. The Super Sampler Flash is sold at "aluminium" along with the Pop9 camera. All Lomographers may want to check "aluminium" out when buying a new LOMO cam. Although the styles are limited, use it as a chance to check out the furniture. |
"Wellington Street" boosts a wide variety of stores. Another of my favourite Central shops - "alain mikli" can be found on this street. Alain Mikli is the world renowned eyewear designed known to take frames to another level. Although his frames can be found in most optical shops...if you want to get a pair of alain mikli frames, it's best to go down to the actual "alain mikli" Hong Kong branch on Wellington Street. The store is right opposite Starbucks and once you get the big challenge of getting the door open (I have NO IDEA why it is so heavy), you will find yourself surrounded by 2 full floors of frames. The interior of the store is by Philippe Starck, another design genius. Alain mikli's current collection - the red and white collection and black and white collection is HOT! Especially the A0228-06 (black and white checkered) frame. On Wellington Street you'll also find "Mark-Rottvic", a store set on selling European branded handbags at lower prices than from the chain stores themselves. Mark-Rottvic offers brands such as "Agnes b.", "Anna Sui", "Gucci" and even "Burberry".
(That's the lovely Starck designed "alain mikli" store on your left...I
WILL BUY OUT THE STORE SOMEDAY!!!!)