Saigon’s wealth of shopportunity is far more than stuffy old silks, teak and rattan – instead Vietnam’s soulful southern sis is a hotbed of cosmopolitan fash, art and homeware.
Offering goodies on par with the quality to be found across the Atlantic, but at a fraction of the Euro, here are three standout stores to beeline for – just don’t forget to take your spare Rimowa.
Espace Michèle de Albert
Long-time LUXE fave Gaya has reinvented itself with a new name and new digs – a lovely, shaded heritage building, no less. Luckily that’s all that’s changed – you can still expect a tightly edited, stunning collection of sophisty boho decor, lacquerware, furniture and accessories designed and commissioned by owners and longtime residents Michèle and Quasar Khanh. Just terrific!
Espace Michèle de Albert, 79/11 Street 12, Tran Nao, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, +84 8 3740 6009, facebook.com/EspaceMicheledeAlbert
Thuy Design House
Drop some serious dong on bold n’ beautiful tunics, dresses and pants in silk, organza and brocade by homegrown talent Thuy. A regular at Vietnam Fashion week, the Hanoi-born and HCMC-based designer draws on nature via daring use of colour, painterly prints and swoonsome freeform silhouettes. MTM and custom available for these exquisite investment pieces.
Thuy Design House, 132-134 Dong Khoi St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, +84 8 3824 2024, thuydesignhouse.com
Harmony
Striking, original, Asian-tinged rocks, bangles and baubles in top quality jade, lacquer, silver, and wood. They’ve found homes on regional retail shelves among the likes of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Banyan Tree Phuket, but visit Harmony’s small-but-stylish Ho Chi Minh City HQ if you can. Flex your credit, and if she’s there, have a chat with charismatic owner Dror Lam – gospel of all things chic in Saigon.
Available at Sofitel Saigon Plaza and Gingko, facebook.com/harmonynecklacespage
Hero Image: Thuy Design House
Looking for more style-for-dollar recommendations in Saigon? Snap up a copy of the LUXE Ho Chi Minh guide…
