If funky, edgy designer goodies give you a thrill, and price is not an option, get ready for a real treat. Places like ZEN, Playground, Manga, Flow Now and Q Concept have all the latest design trends in the world covered. This is where all the coolest, hippest and stylish in the know head to for that sought-after look or lifestyle.
ZEN
ZEN at CentralWorld is a funkadelic, six-level lifestyle trend megastore. Claiming around 50,000 square meters of prime space, and more to come, it is targeted at the trendy young at heart, affluent Thais, expatriates and tourists who appreciate good design. Visual merchandising here is enfolded in an eye-catching and theatrical setting so as to completely reel the shopper into a thrilling shopping experience.
Priding itself on its industrial edge, mod furnishings and the pop-graphic cool backdrop of wall-papered panels, ZEN probes into new realms of creativity. Each stage appeals to a different audience, or shall we say, constellation of about-to-be-born stars - all the while flowing quite seamlessly from space to space.
Squeaky Clean Fun
Level one, entitled the 'Beauty of Luxury', hosts cutesy cosmetic brand Anna Sui alongside the clinical minimalism of Dermalogica and fragrance cum cosmetics for boys, Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme. Also found here are sensational watch boutiques, must-have bags, accessories and designer eyewear. The second level, simply called 'Women's Elegance', presents contemporary fashion, evening and party wear of the most adventurous sort. Find here shoes with a vengeance, as well as fine and costume jewellery and a lofty 'Thai Designers Gallery', featuring the likes of Kai et al.
Level three is the 'Casual Women's Zone' sporting ultra-chic fitness and aerobic wear and gear, nonchalantly stylish smart-casual fashion, underwear and hair and nail bars. And a visit to the third floor ZEN 'Women's Vanity Restroom' is an enlightening experience in its own right.
Level Four is the metrosexual man's destination, featuring breezy smart, business and casual-wear, as well as novel shoes, jewellery, accessories and high-end timepieces. Pay a visit to 'Trend-Fitters Tailoring' to cut that jaunty silhouette. Level five, or 'Funky Edgy ZEN', showcases the latest designer denim and cutting-edge street fashion, international sportswear, swimwear and beach fashion - and don't forget the hip 'ZEN Tattoo and Body Art Studio'.
Pampered Pooches
Part of the sixth floor is home to MUJI, the truly chic no-name brand concept store. Lifestyle enhancing choices here are magnanimous. Among the adult games and hobby crafts, you will find the super-coolest fun toys like model airplanes, light-guns and cosmetics for your car. And among health and fitness equipment, digital gadgets and the hippest ever travel gear, you can have an electronic massage while waiting for your poodle's grooming session at 'ZEN Doggie Spa and Hotel', or your cousin's chihuahua's appointment at the 'Dog's Fashion' domain. After all, everyone needs a little TLC. Opening soon is the seventh floor, featuring soon-to-be the place to be seen - 'FoodLoft @ Zen'.
Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: CentralWorld
BTS: Chidlom
Playground
Another essentially trendy and fun place to check out is Playground in Thong Lor. The three-storied building of black granite, containing airy conceptual zones that lead into one another, creates the impression of being inside a playhouse. Signposts offer a mind map, which suggests where you can read magazines, hear music or wear fashion.
Enjoy refreshments in a designer environment, or even learn to cook at Kuppa Cooking School on the top level. Collectible CDs and vinyls can be found on the ground floor, which also hosts one of the largest imported magazine collections in Thailand. The second floor features exclusive works of clothing and creative jewellery, plus novel stationery and graphic art books. If the possibility of owning an exclusive design object excites you, make it happen. Behold unique and funky lighting, groovy décor and furniture pieces, as well as fun kitchen accessories and designer dog crockery sets on the top floor.
Open: 10:00 - 23:00
Location: Sukhumvit 55 Soi 18
BTS: Thong Lor (a short cab ride away)
Manga by Playground
This is a little world of its own, brimming with that spirit of youthful rebellion. Dressed-to-kill shop assistants with imaginative hairstyles look like site-specific installations themselves. The music is hip and the décor matches. Check out Manga's all-the-rage clothing line, especially the T-shirts with attitude and upbeat accessories and toys - or lose yourself in their selection of very cool coffee table books on Japanese anime, concepts and design. And don't forget to pick up a flyer on your way out for the latest scoop on the party scene.
Fly Now and Q Concept
Situated near Manga are two other notable funky shops to pop into. Fly Now has invitingly vibey tunes emanating from gigantic holographic walls that warrant a peek inside. And the range of garb displayed is truly inspiring. Q Concept is an adorable boutique-style shop with whimsical clothing, pretty ornaments, chandeliers, home décor and accessory-type items. An undeniably hot place to find gifts for really cool people.
Location: CentralWorld
Open: 10:00 - 22:00
BTS: Chidlom |
