Making Money Moves
Luxury houses are launching more exclusive concepts to cater to the uber‑rich
Chanel’s clients are already used to the attentive customer service offered in the fashion brand’s boutiques, but soon, they may be treated to an even more luxurious shopping experience. The French maison has plans to open private boutiques in Asia to serve its top‑spending clients, with the stores set to open from early 2023. To support the expansion, Chanel is looking to hire more than 3,500 new employees, many of whom are sales associates.
Speaking to Business of Fashion, Chanel chief financial officer Philippe Blondiaux said: “Our biggest preoccupation is to protect our customers and in particular our pre‑existing customers. We’re going to invest in very protected boutiques to service clients in a very exclusive way.”
In a similar move, Balenciaga recently announced the reopening of its original 10 Avenue George V
couture salon, connecting the historic location once more to its illustrious past. The new store encompasses an exclusive salon for couture fittings as well as a retail space to showcase singular artisanal creations ranging from clothes and accessories to objects.
“In this new store,” said Balenciaga CEO Cédric Charbit, “products, made‑to‑measure services and retail excellence are a reinvention of the Balenciaga client experience.”
One can only dream of the kind of special treatment that will be offered in these rarefied boutiques—unless, of course, you are already spending tens of thousands at them.
Singapore: Dover Street Market Singapore
Nestled in a historic area of Singapore, the fourth location of the fashion‑forward retailer will provide a shopping experience like no other.
18 Dempsey Road, Singapore
Tokyo: Ambush Workshop
This flagship distils the brand’s achingly hip spirit into bricks and mortar just off Tokyo’s famous Cat Street.
1‑22‑8 Shibuya, Shibuya‑ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo: Maison Kitsuné Daikanyama Evoking the zen of a traditional Japanese house, this outpost features a secret bamboo forest in the back of the boutique.
20‑14 Sarugakucho, Shibuya‑ku, Tokyo, Japan
FOR FASHION FUTURISTS
Hangzhou: B1OCK Concept Store Fashion, dining and the arts come under one roof in this Renzo Piano‑designed space housing more than 200 brands. Building 11, OŌELI, 398 Tianmushan Road, Xihu, Hangzhou, China
Hong Kong: Belowground This underground space brings together brands, retailers and creative collaborators to shape a future with no boundaries between luxury, fashion, culture and art.
B49‑52, B55‑56, B59‑61 Landmark Atrium, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Shanghai: ENG
Sci‑fi meets shopping in this buzzy retail establishment dubbed “the coolest store in Shanghai”.
TX Huaihai, 523 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Shenzhen: Burberry Open Spaces Social shopping is about to shake up luxury retail and Burberry’s futuristic store proves it. Shenzhen Bay Mixc, 2888 Keyuan South Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China
FOR CHIC CURATORS
Bangkok: Siwilai
Look forward to a sharp edit of the best Thailand has to offer from the worlds of art and fashion.
Level 5 Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand
Hong Kong: HER
Hong Kong fashion’s godmother Hilary Tsui brings the hypest brands around in this chic space.
Shop A&C, Ground floor Fashion Walk, 55 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Manila: Univers
Get your hands on highly coveted pieces from global brands at this multi‑label luxury retail shop. 104‑106, Ground floor One Rockwell East Tower, 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Petaling Jaya: Sixth Sense Residing in a heritage building with a traditional courtyard, this multi‑label store is for the minimalist aesthete.
157 Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Seoul: Boon the Shop
You’re bound to find treasures in this multi‑brand luxury store with a reputation as a pioneer of high fashion in South Korea.
21 Apgujeong‑ro 60g‑gil, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul: 10 Corso Como Seoul
After checking out its superb edit of the season’s trends, pop into its chic café and chill over Italian fare. 416 Apgujeong‑ro, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul, South Korea
Shanghai: Haus Shanghai
Curated like a museum giving a glimpse into the future, this covers fashion, art, beauty and F&B, with the world’s largest Gentle Monster store occupying the entire second floor.
798‑812 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Tokyo: The Four-eyed Experimental designers have a home in this hidden shopping gem in Kabukicho.
Level 1 Paredoru Kabukicho Building, 2‑8‑2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku‑ku, Tokyo, Japan
FOR THE MEN
Bangkok: The Somchai
Feed your sartorial senses, then head to its divine Italian restaurant just next door for a hearty meal. 215 Thonglor 11, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok, Thailand
Hong Kong: The Armoury
A must‑visit for gentlemen looking to pad out their wardrobes with well‑crafted essentials.
B47 Landmark Atrium, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Seoul: Worksout – Ryse
Tucked into the fashionable Ryse hotel, the latest offshoot of the streetwear store is a mecca for hypebeasts.
130 Yanghwa‑ro, Mapo‑gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tokyo: Beams
One of the OG trailblazers in the menswear scene, the brand continues to surprise and delight season after season.
3‑24‑7 Jingumae, Shibuya‑ku, Tokyo, Japan