Invisible shops

Commes des Garçon, Hong Kong © bella

Martin Margiela's boutique, Tokyo (photo: Isreal Kandarian)

Discreet shops are in. Shopfronts are no longer confined to main streets, with huge signage or prominent displays. Shops such as Commes des Garçon on On Lan Street, Hong Kong, and Martin Margiela's boutique in Dalkanyama, Tokyo, are so hidden that many have trouble locating them. 

Following the Japanese tradition of having entrances of residences and restaurants designed to be as discreet as possible (and preferably tucked away from the main street), shops are differentiating themselves with this unlikely strategy.  

Commes des Garçon's boutique entrance is marked by a subtle recess on its white facade. This recess is really a sliding door, which automatically slides open when one stands in front of it. Don't be fooled by the non-entrance and non-existent handle bar. It isn't closed, really. 

Martin Margeila's boutique is located in a refurbished house in a suburban area in Tokyo. There is no signage, except markings along the route to the shop. Look out for clues, such as white foot-prints and street cones.

Pedal in luxury

This bicycle, launched by Chanel as part of their spring/summer collection 2008, proves that we could complete our outfits and pedal in style with this new accessory. This eight-speed bicycle comes in black and white, with Chanel's signature quilted leather chain guard and saddle bags. But style doesn't come cheap, with its USD12,000 price tag.

Hoarding Art

What better way to announce a store's presence (even before it is officially opened) than to splash the hoarding with edgy street art? Seen recently is Diesel's magnificent work  on its hoarding at its new store on Queens Road Central in Hong Kong. 

On the right shows two figures, captured in motion. While the left shows illustrations adapted from Gotham's ultimate superhero, Batman. The dark illustrations are perhaps evocative of the fast-paced, built-up city, expressed through a medium that speaks of an alternative brand advertisement. What's new? We ask. But in its context of ritzy boutiques and predictable expectations of the well-heeled, we must say it is a heroic piece of work.

"Idea of a Vase" by d.lab

What is a vase? Does it contain or can it be contained? 

"Idea of a Vase" is a set of 10 vase shaped blocks made of nocture black Corian that fit in a frame. It is one of the beautifully sculpted pieces from d.lab's first collection entitled "Objects Around the Tablescape", which questions how objects participate with their spatial environment. Here, the idea of the vase as an object is being dissected, displaced and rearranged, and remodeled into something beyond its functional purpose.

This collection was presented at the "Maison&Objet" in Paris in January 2008, and has already caught the attention of Wallpaper magazine and other big names in the industry.

Although pieces from the collection are called "objects", they exist with a rare aura of beauty and purity that almost begin to affect the space around. Poetry, sculpture, art and architecture are all part of their conception and expression that over-used terms, such as "products", "vases", and even "objects" seem to render themselves meaningless.

Other highlights of the collection include: "Round Bowl with Teak Base", "Layered Plates" and "Rectangular Trays with Teak Base". 

Headed by Patrick Chia, d.lab is a commercial entity and brand name created by the Design Incubation Centre, Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore.

For more information, check out www.arch.nus.edu.sg/dic

GASTROBAKERYCAFEBAR & RESTAURANT

Restauraner Michael Lu is at it again. This time, succumbing to the under-one-roof concept of (con)fusing gastronomy with resort bars, bakery and poolside cafes whilst maintaining a fine dining New York style restaurant. All amidst the backdrop of a picturesque Marina at Keppel Bay.

Featuring Tony Bilson as Executive Chef (Non-resident), who is widely revered as the Godfather of Australian Cuisine and mentor to several Michelin starred chefs as well as world famous Tetsuya Wakuda.

For reservations, click here.