unique finds asia

© Les Lucioles

Nathalie Guihaume and Sandra Richefort, two lovely French ladies own the hip concept store « Les Lucioles » (=fireflies in French) in the French Concession in Shanghai.

The tiny treasure trove is filled with unique finds from allover the world and is supposed to introduce designers and artists from allover the world to the Chinese market and vice versa.  
 
Sandra and Nathalie have great taste and constantly expand their selection. We particularly like the fashion labels they have picked so far. No matter if you look for some unique sunglasses, hip accessories, a bag, fashion jewelry, a gift or some souvenir - you might very likely find what you are looking for at Les Lucioles. But beware; the more time you spend the more amazing things you will discover.

I opted for a lovely bag by French designer Eric Raisina, whose bags are handmade in Cambodia where he offers work and training to local craftsmen at his workshop in Siem Reap. His designs are gorgeous and I just fell for the feather-like silk in pale pink that he used for my bag. But there is so much more to discover. To do some name dropping of my favorite finds at Les Lucioles after all:

Les Lucioles might be small but trust us, you could spend hours and if it’s only to learn more about all the great stories behind the selected labels or to chat with the lovely owners! Alternatively, you can shop online at Les Lucioles.
 
We really like what Nathalie and Sandra have come up with so far and we would hope that they’d had more space to offer an even broader variety of emerging labels as they for sure have an eye for it.
 
Their approach combined with their personal enthusiasm renders shopping at Les Lucioles even more extraordinary.
 
But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!

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© Kisara

KISARA is the name of this beautifully designed concept store at fancy Omotesando Hills Mall in Tokyo.

KISARA is exactly the kind of shop you can't stop looking around and certainly can't leave without buying too much! It offers quite unique stuff such as traditional Japanese handicrafts interpreted in a contemporary manner.

KISARA’s philosophy is to support Japanese craftsmen. First you won’t find their products anywhere else. So you buy something truly unique. But secondly and more importantly, by buying at KISARA you support craftsmen.

The mix of KISARA’s interior design, their selection of products and their dedication to support small businesses is truly exceptional. Again a successful and convincing statement against the boredom of mainstream shopping!

There is plenty to discover. If you are looking for some piece of interior decoration, kitchen or table ware or may be just a Japanese souvenir - this is the place to go to.

But even if you are only seeking inspiration it is worth a visit because of its beautiful arrangement of products and unique designs. So make sure you stop by to have a look next time you are in Tokyo.

But go and see for yourself.

Enjoy!

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© Cactus

CACTUS is the name of this cool and futuristic looking concept store at Marina Square Mall in Singapore.

At CACTUS you can find all kinds of hip designs such as fashion wear and accessories, lifestyle products, gifts, stationery items etc.

CACTUS’ intention is to offer an ever-changing mix of truly unique and innovative products. How do they do it? CACTUS’ mission is to provide an opportunity for up and coming designers to showcase their ideas and products in an affordable, convenient and fully serviced retail space. The idea is as simple as this: you rent a cubic for a reasonable fee to put your design on display.

The credo is « Think Big, Start Small ». We believe CACTUS' business model is quite unique and inspiring as start-ups often lack the money or connections to make their products available to a bigger crowd. But CACTUS is also great for consumers as it offers you an abundant source of inspiration due to its continuously amended display of new and unique products.

CACTUS may be called another great example and statement against the mainstream shopping boredom of always the same stuff everywhere else. We just love it!

It is young entrepreneurship at its best. May be this is enough motivation for those of you who had a nagging desire to come up with some designs?

If you are a designer or just a curious shopper seeking inspiration, make sure to drop by on your next visit to Singapore. You will get inspired - that’s for sure.

But go and see for yourself.

Enjoy!

N.B.: There is hope for all of us not living in Singapore! CACTUS plans to expand its business beyond Singapore - Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Paris and who knows where else!

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YOURS is the name of this tiny shop and atelier located in hip Nan Luogu Xiang in Beijing.

The two owners An and Sun are both originally from Beijing and decided to start-up their own company upon returning from their studies in Germany.

We really love their cool handmade « fun bags » from felt. You can even watch them designing and sewing because their shop serves at the same time as their studio. Having said this you can also request some custom made bags on the spot. You just pick the quality of felt, color, any extras etc. Our bag took less than 24 hours! But they already have quite some selection to choose from.

No matter what your preferences are in terms of shape or size, color, add-on and finishing touches – you will find something nice. Totes, messenger bags, hand bags – with or without zipper, pouches or add-on. Everything is possible!

We like what they have come up with so far and think their handmade bags make a great companion - particularly for those of you, who look for vegan bags. Simply great.

But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!

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