Poverty in the Midst of Plenty exhibition

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Toothpicker

Even though Hong Kong is one of wealthiest cities in the world, the gap between the rich and the poor is also widening significantly over the last twenty years. Income equality is now among the worst in the world and poverty is an issue that can no longer be neglected.

Chan Wai Kwong’s Record 9 ( 2011)

Currently at ArtisTree in Quarry Bay ( Hong Kong), there is a WYNG Masters Award photography exhibition where public can view the winners’ and finalists’ work. The exhibition is well-thought-out and the exhibit pieces are insightful and thought-provoking.

I love all the winners’ series: Ko Chung Ming‘s ‘Cents’ Mansion, Chan Wai Kwong‘s Record, and Rufina Wu and Stefan Canham‘s Portraits from above ( there is also a book with the same title). The latter is especially interesting because the series combine both photographs of illegal rooftop shelters and architectural drawings of these structures, which allow viewers to understand more about their living conditions.

Ko Chung Ming’s winning series ‘Cents’ Mansion

Aside from this exhibition, another local photographer, Benny Lam’s shocking series ( recently being published by newspapers around the world) for The Society for Community Organisation of Hong Kong’s housing problem can be viewed here via The Telegraph ( these are not the type of photos or publicity that the Hong Kong Tourism Association would want the world to see)!

Although poverty is a global issue that can be seen in every city, it is especially prominent in Hong Kong because of the insufficient support by the government. The government’s lack of long term vision/ goals and poor social welfare system are mostly responsible for the issue we see today. Years of neglect has resulted in growing anger and dissatisfaction among the low-income and socially-disadvantaged members of the society. This exhibition reflects the urgency to address an issue that has been ignored for too long, but when will the government wake up and smell the coffee?

The WYNG Masters Award Inaugural Exhibition: Poverty in the Midst of Plenty will end on 6th April.

Address: Artistree, 1/F Cornwall House, Taikoo Place, Island East

JCCAC handicraft market & studio visit

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Toothpicker

Last weekend, I found out about a handicraft fair at the multi-disciplinary art centre, JCCAC ( Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre) in Shek Kip Mei and decided to pay a visit. I came here with a friend when it first opened in 2008 and it was almost empty with very few working studios. Today, there are over 100 artists, designers and art organisations are working here, and so the vibe is completely different and extremely lively.

This award winning architectural conversion from the former Shek Kip Mei Factory Estate is located in area of Kowloon full of low-cost housing estates, so along the route from the MTR station, you can see the lives of the locals that are not normally depicted in the official tourism brochures.

Many of the original architectural details have been preserved, I especially like the bold typography and numbers of the floors on the walls and staircases. Each floor also display old factory machinery either made in the area or were used within the facility including large letterpress machines.

Surprisingly, there were more stalls and vendours than I expected; however, it was so packed that it was impossible for me to get near to the stalls! Hence, I decided to go upstairs to visit artists’ studios and exhibition areas instead…

I was quite pleasantly surprised by the variety of work on display, and to see so many local artists, illustrators, designers and architects all working within a creative space/ environment was encouraging especially in a city where rental prices are so ridiculously inflated.

Wandering around I came across a studio where I met and chatted to a Nepalese lady who was making bookmarks from dyed paper she brought back from Nepal. She then explained that they are part of YMCA and their project’s aim is to support ethnic minority housewives who reside in Hong Kong. Their Cheung Sha Wan centre also sells other South Asian handicrafts either imported or made by these housewives. In the exhibition area, there were also drawings and art work produced by ethnic minority children and youths who are part of the “Future artist” project, initiated by the Sham Shui Po Community Creative Arts Resources Centre. There is also a website dedicated to the community with videos of their multicultural members sharing their stories in “3-minute stories“.

Projects by Sham Shui Po Community Creative Arts Resources Centre, part of YMCA HK

I think this visit has ensured me that the local art and creative industry is growing and being supported by the locals; however, without government’s support, it will be hard for local artists, designers and craftsmen to survive on their own. A thriving creative industry is important for cities around the world now, it adds value and competitiveness to the city, so every government should acknowledge this instead of simply relying on the industries like tourism. Perhaps the World Design Capital can be an incentive for governments to value and understand the importance of this industry.

Old machinery and roof top garden

You can click on the link to view more photos via the Facebook album.

Hong Kong’s heritage: Béthanie

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Toothpicker

When I used to live in Hong Kong many years ago, I never bothered to explore the city ( partly because I was working most of the time), but in recent years, I am more determined to look for unusual sights that are off the beaten track. Recently I found out about Béthanie, a Grade II historic buildings in Pokfulam, now part of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and I decided to pay it a visit.

Although there are daily guided tours, it was not easy to find an available slot because the venue is constantly being hired for different purposes, so it is best to call and check beforehand.

Béthanie was originally built in 1875 as a sanatorium by the Paris Foreign Missions Society ( Missions Étrangères de Paris). It was almost demolished in the 1970s, but was eventually saved and declared a Grade II listed building in 1981. An 80 million HKD restoration project took place between 2003-6, and turned the building and the adjacent historic Dairy Farm cowsheds into the HKAPA School of Film and Television.

Former Dairy farm cowsheds, now an exhibition hall and a performance venue

The tour started at the cowsheds and we were then led into the main building to visit the beautiful neo-gothic style George C. Tso Memorial Chapel. We were told that many of the original furnishings have been removed when it was sold in 1974, so a full-scale scavenger hunt across Hong Kong had to be conducted by the project’s director, Philip Soden and architect, Philip Liao. Eventually, the original chapel doors, main altar, reredos, communion rails, sacristy doors and nine of the seventeen original stained glass windows were found and restored. The remaining windows were replaced with hand made replicas of the originals. Now this chapel is regularly being used for weddings, weekly religious services and music concerts.

After the chapel we took the lift to the top floor to see the Sir Y.K. Pao Studio, a new addition to the building. The contemporary multi-purpose room has a high glass roof and enjoys spectacular views of the Peak and South China sea.

Our last stop was the BNP Paribas Museum of Béthanie in the basement, which was once used as a wine cellar and dry goods storage. The small but highly interesting museum contains many historical documents, photos and artifacts that not only trace the history of the sanatorium but also of Hong Kong.

At the end of the tour, we were free to walk around outside and enjoy the tranquil and beautiful setting. This place is so unique and far from the typical image of Hong Kong, all I could think of was how lucky are the students who get to use the facilities here!

Secluded on a hill opposite Béthanie is another historical building, University Hall, a historical male students residence of the University of Hong Kong. The Tudor and Gothic style building was built in 1861 by Scottish businessman, Douglas Lapraik and it was known as Douglas Castle. The castle was then sold to the French mission ( who also owned Béthanie) and was turned into a monastery and renamed Nazareth. Finally in 1954, the castle became “university hall” and was declared a monument in 1995.

While I was walking on the grounds outside of the building, I almost forgot that I was in Hong Kong, if it weren’t for the tropical plants and trees, I felt I could have been in the U.K. or somewhere in Europe, in fact, it reminded me a bit of Sintra, a town full of historical palaces outside of Lisbon.

After visiting the two historical sites, I felt quite relieved that they were not demolished and turned into luxury apartments ( partly saved by the fact that Hong Kong Land determined the site of Béthanie was too difficult to develop in the 1970s). However, many historical buildings were already lost over the years. Although in recent years concerns over heritage building conservations are increasing and many have been saved as consequences, yet many have also suffered from commercialisation and have completely lost their original appeal. The best example is the former Marine Police Headquarters or “1881 heritage”, which now operates as a “heritage” hotel with a Disneyland-like luxury shopping arcade. I came here once before and was horrified by the amount of tourists and the soullessness of this place. It really saddened me to see a magnificent and historical building being turned into a “themed” tourist attraction, if this is Hong Kong government’s ideal case of historical conservation, then perhaps they need to rethink again.

Béthanie and University Hall prove that successful historical conservations can be achieved, but will the government be able to strike a balance between conservation and development for other upcoming projects? We shall wait and see.

The Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Toothpicker

As much as I love living in London, the grey winter months are just too depressing, perhaps it’s due to lack of sun, but I was determined to find a way out this year… When I told my UK friends that I was going to travel and work in Asia for over two months, everyone was extremely envious of me… Sorry guys, but I really need the sun and warmth!

After spending a few freezing days in Tokyo, I was glad to be in Hong Kong where temperature ranges from the late teens to mid twenties celsius. Although temperature here varies a lot throughout the day, overall, it is quite mild most of the time.

Since I am only here for a short period of time, I want to make the most of it, aside from hiking, I would look for outdoor activities just to be in the sun ( I have been sun-deprived for too long)!

I visited the Hong Kong Zoological & botanical gardens years ago, and I thought it would interesting to return again and at the same time, enjoy a bit of nature in this hectic city.

The 5.6 hectares of garden situated opposite the former governor’s house was founded in 1871 and it is one of the oldest in the world. Previously named ‘Bing Tau Fa Yuen’ ( the head of the soldiers’ garden), it used to be the governor’s private garden, and there are still traces of the colonial past that can be spotted here like the bronze statue of King George VI and a memorial gate for British Chinese soldiers who died during the two World Wars.

The garden was once a popular dating destination for young lovers, but now it attracts mainly tourists, local families and older people. There not many facilities here, but there is a refreshment kiosk selling drinks and snacks and free wi-fi available.

Cute animal benches can be seen throughout the garden

I can’t say that I like zoos especially when I see wild animals being locked up in small cages, but I also understand that the zoo has its educational value particularly for young children in Hong Kong who rarely get the opportunities to see wild animals apart from the domestic ones…

In the botanical garden, more than 1,000 species can be found, with a green house and sub-gardens like herb, camellia, magnolia and bamboo. I love seeing different varieties of flowers and orchid trees, wandering around, I almost forgot that it’s not even spring yet!

The zoo/ garden is probably not a “must-see” tourist attraction, but it is like an oasis in the city especially for those who can’t deal with the stress and pollution in the nearby Central, this place would give them the breathing space they desperately need.

Latitude 22N Studio visit

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Toothpicker

Julie and Jesse’s Latitude 22N studio in Chai Wan

Since the launch of the e-shop over a year ago, I have had many opportunities to meet with different designers around the globe, though I particularly enjoy getting to know the designers I work with. It is not only about building long-term work relationships, but it is also crucial for me to understand the people and minds behind the products. Being able to work with like-minded designers is not an opportunity that happens to everyone, so I feel lucky that often I am able to meet and work with designers who share similar values and vision.

I discovered Latitude 22N by chance and immediately fell in love with their designs, especially the S.M.L. candle holders that we stock from the studio. I have been communicating with Julie from the studio via emails for a while, and so I was quite excited when she invited me over to visit their studio in Chai Wan, an industrial area in Hong Kong that is becoming more ‘artistic’ thanks to the high rental prices in other more commercial areas of the city.

Main: The S.M.L candle holders and their Night Market collection

Interestingly, Jesse, Julie and I all share a New York/ Parsons connection, and so we could compare life in Hong Kong vs. New York. We also spent a long time discussing the local and Asian design scene, and I learned about the difficulties they had to face in regards to crafting and manufacturing ceramics in China. Although Julie and Jesse are not ethnically Chinese, their works capture the Chinese heritage and spirit, yet they are ‘reinterpreted’ in a contemporary way with much care and insight. I especially love their Fragment porcelain vases, which break away from traditional boundaries, and challenge the viewers to look beyond the aesthetics.

Experimental pieces that are as intriguing as the finished pieces…

I was also very impressed by their cool and spacious studio, I think they have done an amazing job in converting a factory into a working studio that also regularly hosts art/ design/ photography exhibitions.

A new photography exhibition by Marc Progin,’Mongolia’s land of Nomads, Caravans & Migrations’ will open on 14th March ( until 13th April), so visitors can visit their studio at Unit 16 B, Man Foong Industrial Building, 7 Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan.

Imminent Domain: Designing the Life of Tomorrow

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Toothpicker

20/30/40 – Designing our tomorrow talk at Asia Society

Hong Kong’s design industry has often been overlooked and shadowed by its neighbouring cities, but in recent years, more local designers and their efforts have been recognised at home and abroad. Currently there is a design exhibition, Imminent Domain: Designing the Life of Tomorrow at the Asia Society, showcasing the work of 12 renowned and award-winning local designers. The exhibition is curated by Fumio Nanjo, a renowned curator and director of the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo,

Accompanying the exhibition are a series of lectures and workshops, and I managed to attend two of the free talks. The speakers who participated at the first talk, 20/30/40- Designing our Tomorrow included Michael Leung ( the founder of Studio Leung, HK Farm & Honey), Jonathan Mak ( the design student who famously designed the “Thanks, Steve” logo) and Teeranop Wangsillapakun ( a renowned Thai graphic designer and founder of TNOP Design).

The designers presented their previous and ongoing projects, and shared their experiences as well as inspirations with the audiences. Jonathan‘s presentation proved that his multiple award-winning logos were not accidental and that he is a versatile graphic designer whose potential is immense. Teeranop, who is also a professor at Rangsit University initiated a students’ project to redesign food/ nutrition value food labels, and the results turned out to be very interesting and creative. Michael‘s new project, HK salt ( also part of the exhibition) continues to raise awareness on local environmental issues and explore the subject of social responsibilities as a designer.

Hong Kong architect, William Lim’s Bamboo Wind Pavilion installation

The second talk, Cross Cultural Borders and Markets – Designing for Today and Tomorrow was especially appealing to me because of the subject matter. Three designers, Lo Chi Wing, Kai-Yin Lo and Lee Chi Wing ( founder of Milk Design) were invited to present and discuss how they interpret their cultural heritage into their designs. The three designers all shared some thought-provoking insights, but I was particularly inspired by Athens-based architect/ designer, Lo Chi Wing, whose work spans from architecture to sculpture, interior and furniture. One aspect that I strongly agree with was when Mr Lo mentioned that it is hard to capture the essence/ spirit of Chinese culture or heritage in design, which is not just about traditional motifs or aesthetics that are often seen/ used in many Chinese designs these days. In many ways, this is why the Japanese excel in design, it is because they are able to capture the essence of their traditional heritage and culture and integrate it with new ideas and innovations.

This exhibition shows that the design scene in Hong Kong is evolving, hopefully, these more established designers can influence and inspire young designers or design students to find their own design identities in a city that does not fully embrace individuality nor creativity.

Middle: Kai-Yin Lo’s installation made from semi-precious stones

Imminent Domain: Designing the Life of Tomorrow is on view at the Asia Society until 31 March.

West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Toothpicker

I only found out about the West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre when it was about to wrap up, so I dragged my local graphic design friend ( who didn’t even know about this) to visit the site on its last day.

Like I mentioned in my previous blog entry, Hong Kongers are now facing an ‘identity crisis’ and in recent years, locals have been trying to protect their unique local culture and heritage that is disappearing quickly.

Cantonese opera is a traditional Chinese art form, but like many other traditions arts and crafts, its popularity is slowly diminishing. In 2009, Cantonese opera was recognised by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Hence, efforts have been put into reviving this art form in recent years by various arts organisations.

Last year, The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), a developing project that aims to promote arts and culture in Hong Kong, built a temporary bamboo theatre on the site of the Xiqu Centre, which will be dedicated to all forms of traditional Chinese performing arts. This year, the temporary bamboo theatre returned again for three weeks, hosting performances such as Cantonese opera, Chinese dance and contemporary music concerts.

The proposed Xiqu Centre scheduled to be completed by 2016/ 17.

Outside of the theatre, there were many stalls with traditional craftsmen and young designers/ makers showcasing their crafts and designs. But the most impressive craftsmen of all was paper tearing artist, Uncle Man (Lee Shing Man), who is hailed as “The King of Paper Crafts” in Hong Kong.

Paper tearing is a traditional Chinese folk art, where special characters, pictures or shapes are torn from one single piece of paper without the use of scissors nor pencils. Without formal training, Uncle Man is able to create amazing and detailed art work by hand using recycled paper. My friend and I were completely astounded by Uncle Man’s talent and precision, and I managed to find a video clip online here that showcases his craftsmanship.

Top left: Handcrafted candies; top right: Hand-torn art pieces by Uncle Man; Main: Uncle Man at work

After wandering for a while, my friend and I decided to go for a drink nearby and we returned in the evening to watch part of the free Cantonese opera performance at the theatre. We were impressed by the construction of the 800-seat bamboo-scaffolding theatre, which was designed by one of my favourite local architects, William Lim, founder of CLS Architects.

As you can see from the photos, the theatre was even more stunning at night, especially with all the red and yellow lanterns hanging up in the air.

Lastly, I want to mention the design of the free leaflet and DIY paper model being distributed at the venue. It is very well-thought out and it completely captures the essence of the event. Overall, I think the concept, design and organisation of the event was very successful and uniquely Hong Kong, I hope that there will be more similar events to come in the future.

Free leaftlet and DIY paper model that can be picked up at the venue

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Toothpicker

Main & bottom left: A partial view of the CNY fireworks display at the harbour; bottom right: Chinese new year dinner party with friends

A slightly delayed post on the Chinese New Year festival, which has finally come to an end…

I cannot remember the last time I spent Chinese new year in Hong Kong or any Chinese-speaking cities, so it has been a rather rare occasion and experience for me. After a mad rush in Tokyo, I was glad to finally take time to rest and meet with friends whom I have not seen for a long time.

Chinese new year is the most celebrated festival in the Chinese-speaking society, and even in a city that rarely sleeps, many shops and restaurants would close for days in Hong Kong. However, being a Westernised city, many Hong Kongers no longer celebrate this festival and would rather spend their holidays abroad in nearby Asia or Australia and Europe etc.

As always, food plays an important part in Chinese new year, so I had an official excuse to indulge… Two days after I arrived from Tokyo, I was invited to two dinner parties on the same evening, I eventually went to one that I thought had a better view of the Chinese new year fireworks display ( and I miscalculated)! The view of the apartment is stunning, but we could barely see the fireworks display, however, it was still fun to catch up with friends and enjoy some delicious home cooking.

Traditional Chinese new year flowers

During the New Year, many shop owners like to hire lion dancers to perform in front of their shops to bring to bring good luck and fortune to the business in the new year. My friend and I happened to stumble upon one in Wanchai after our hike, which was very entertaining and fun to watch. However, with a consumption economy that is heavily dependent on the mainland Chinese tourists, will shops and businesses continue to flourish in the years to come? What will happen if the ‘mainlanders’ ( as the locals would call them) stop buying here?

The biggest challenge that faces the already congested Hong Kong is the increasing mainland Chinese tourists who flock to the city during the 12-day Chinese new year holiday. This year, there were over 380,000 ( the highest so far) and they could be easily spotted by their wheeled suitcases in shopping districts like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui ( which I avoided like the plague).

There is growing resentment towards mainlanders among the locals ( similar feelings are emerging in Macau and Taiwan). Despite the economical benefits, many feel that their city has been ‘invaded’, from snatching up milk powder to luxury apartments and their mannerism, the mainlanders are causing much outrage here.

Will the mainlanders eventually buy up the entire Hong Kong ( or even the world)? A scary thought but it’s feels like it’s already happening… To what extend will the Hong Kongers do to protect their identities and land? Will the bubble eventually to burst? Only time will tell.

Lion dance in Wanchai

Design & stationery shopping in Tokyo

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Toothpicker

Main: Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku; bottom left: Yuse’s sandwich tags; bottom right: fun fish pencil cases

With so many cool and unique design shops all over Tokyo, it is almost impossible to give a comprehensive list, so here is an overview of just some of them:

Omotesando

Tokyo’s Tokyo ( 4-30-3 Jingumae) – Located on the 5th floor of Tokyu Plaza, this design gift shop’s interior is inspired by manga comics. It sells very cool and fun Japanese toys, fashion accessories, stationery and other design products.

MoMA Design Store ( 5-10-1 Jingumae) – The first MoMA store outside of the US, this shop inside the Gyre building is a ‘MUST’ for all design lovers. Many classic design items can be found here, including well-known international and local names, but there are also many inspiring gift ideas that will suit all budgets.

Good Design Shop ( 5-10-1 Jingumae) – this shop below the MoMA store is a collaboration between D&Department Project ( a successful Japanese recycled/ lifestyle brand) and Comme des Garçons. An eclectic selection of Comme des Garçons’ fashion and accessories can be found at the back of the store, while the front and main part of the shop sells a wide range of timeless and functional furniture and household products.

Crayon House ( 3-8-15 Kita-Aoyama) – This wonderful multi-storey children’s shop is a gem… I especially love the simple wooden toys, beautiful illustrated children’s books and the wide range of organic beauty and food products. The basement restaurant also provides a good value vegetarian lunch buffet, it can get quite busy but it’s a steal in an expensive area.

Main: Good Design Shop; Middle & bottom left: MoMA Design Store; Middle & middle right: Comme des Garçons at Gyre; Bottom right: Crayon House

Aoyama

Cibone ( 2-14-6 Kitaaoyama) – In the basement of the Aoyama Bells Common, this large lifestyle/ design shop is almost like a quirkier version of the Conran shop. It sells a range of carefully selected furniture, homeware, art, music, fashion, jewellery and books.

Spiral Market ( 5-6-23 Minami-Aoyama) – Located on the second floor inside the multipurpose Spiral building, this sophisticated shop feels more like a gallery. There are many beautifully crafted tableware, stationery, handmade soaps and incense etc.

Francfranc Village ( 3-11-13 Minami Aoyama) – Franc Franc is a well-known home-grown interior/ lifestyle brand that is very popular for its contemporary mid-range/ affordable furniture and homeware. Francfranc village is their latest venture where you will find not only their own outlets but also cafes, restaurants and shops like The Monocle shop.

Found Muji ( 1-2F Nakajima Bldg, 5-50−6 Jingumae) – I have previously blogged about Found Muji ( click here to read) before I even visited the shop, so I was very much looking forward to visiting the shop. As soon as I walked into the shop, I saw a range of dyed textiles and its products, and on the wall, a map showing the regions where textile products originate from and a free catalogue explaining the design processes and background of each manufacturer. It is very encouraging to see an established brand evolving and going back to its roots and giving support to the local craftsmen and makers.

Found Muji in Aoyama

Shinagawa

DB in station ( Ecute Shinagawa 2F, 3-26-27 Takanawa Mintoku) – D-Bros is one my favourite Japanese stationery brands and this is their only retail outlet inside the JR Shinagawa station. The shop sells a range of unqiue and fun stationery as well as their DIY Stamp it collection where customers can customise their own stationery or greeting cards.

D-bros’ shop and their humourous greeting cards

Ginza

Itoya ( 3-7-1 Ginza) – I was very disappointed to discover that my favourite stationery shop in Tokyo is currently closed for renovation. Although the temporary shop is just around the corner from the original site, it is much smaller and the selection is not as interesting. I can’t believe that I will have to wait two years for the shop to reopen… nightmare!

Gekkoso ( 8-7-2 Ginza) -This wonderful art supply shop has been around since 1917, not only it sells art supplies but also its own stationery and accessories. It also has a gallery and cafe, a hidden gem in Ginza.

Kyukodo (5-7-4 Ginza) – If you are looking for traditional Japanese paper and incense, then Kyukyodo is the place to visit. Opened in Kyoto in 1663, the shop moved to Tokyo in 1880 and it is still being run by the Kumagai family that founded it. This is a great place for gifts, and you can find a wide range of writing paper, washi paper and stationery.

Muji Yurakucho ( Yurakucho Building 3-8-3) – If you are a Muji fan, then you must visit this outlet, the world’s largest Muji. Aside from selling adults and children’s clothing and accessories, stationery, beauty products, food, homeware, glasses and bicycles, there is also a Found Muji section, Meal Muji cafeteria and Atelier Muji exhibition space ( see my previous blog on the exhibition).

Top left & right: Itoya and its new expansion; 2nd row middle: Itoya’s temporary store; 2nd row left: Kyukodo; 2nd row right: Gekkoso; Bottom: Muji Yurakucho

Jiyugaoka

Idee shop ( 2-16-29 Jiyugaoka) – Jiyugaoka is a neighbourhood that is popular with the locals, there are many independent cafes and shops selling fashion and homeware. The three-storey Idee shop here is their largest outlet where you will find furniture, homeware, lifestyle products, a bakery and florist.

Meguro

Claska Gallery & Shop “Do” & Mixroom ( 1-3-18 Chuo-cho Meguro-ku) – Claska is a design hotel in Meguro, an area where there are lots of vintage and retro furniture shops. I have stayed here once before and found the location slightly inconvenient but I thought the gallery and shop here is unique and inspiring. They stock many young and aspiring Japanese designers’ work that are hard to find elsewhere.

Loft in Shibuya

Museum shops – There are many cool design shops inside museums or galleries and two of my favourites are Souvenir From Tokyo at The National Art Centre and Art & Design Store & A/D Gallery ( run by Mori Art Musuem shop) at Roppongi Hills.

One-stop shops – There are several mega lifestyle shops that are great for one-stop shopping ( where you could spend more than two hours), they are Loft ( there is a multi-storey branch in Shibuya) and Tokyu Hands ( my favourite is the Shinjuku branch) which I think is the world’s best department store selling almost everything you could ( or could not) imagine!

toothpicnations

is a theme-based online shop and platform that showcases contemporary Asian designs.

Monthly Archives: March 2013