The Store: Diamond Walker Shoes

Things have been pretty quiet around these parts for some months now, partly because of burnout and partly because I haven't come across something that is really worth coming out of my blogging batcave for. Well, that ended last Saturday when I visited this amazing bespoke shoe shop in the heart of the CBD called Diamond Walker Shoes.

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, they have now set-up shop in Singapore, bringing with them the quality craftsmanship and unmatched customization that has made them a household name in K-Pop's capital. Be it brogues, double monks, penny loafers, oxfords, or (my-current-top-of-the-want-list) slippers, they got you covered with all the tasty options you can think of! You want crepe soles? Check. You prefer blue suede uppers? Damn right. You demand a contrast toecap on your oxfords? You bet. It's totally that kid-in-a-candy-store feeling. 

After your fitting's done and design finalized, it would take 4-6 weeks for the skilled cobblers to do their thing. Trust me, for shoes that are truly one-of-a-kind (you did design them yourself) and of this caliber, they're definitely worth the wait and investment. I actually already have a shoe in mind for the next time I drop by. And by all intents and purposes, that's only the first of many. 

Diamond Walker folk discussing the craft of the bespoke shoe.

Great display. You can just hear the cobbler crafting your classic kicks.

Now for some samples of their work: The WIngtip Boot. 

Duck Boots for all those rainy Singapore days.

Oh yes. The blue suede slippers I wanted to take home as is!

White bucks. A great casual alternative to my worn-in sneakers!

Diamond Walker Shoes

China Square Central #01-06

18 Cross Street, Singapore

E: boss@diamond-walker.com

The Store: Rockstar at Cineleisure

There are some stores that just get you, the kind that you always find yourself coming back to and loving everything inside. Well, ever since fellow menswear enthusiat Ant introduced me to it, that store for me has been Rockstar. I swear, the way it was curated, I would've thought that I wrote the stock list. From the simplistic shoe lineup (Chucks, Superga, Pointer), to its expansive portfolio of canvas bags (Baggu, William J. Mills), and even the books and magazines on hand, everything just spoke to me. Hell, I bought a bag there already, discovered Sifr, and I still keep going back again and again. Highly recommend you pay a visit, chaps. Might even see you there!

The new Pointer x Porter 3-way's looking mighty fine.

Look at the gum sole on them Pointer saddle shoes. Great touch.

You know the phrase "walking on clouds"? This. (Also from Pointer)

Timberlands all prepped out via the Abington heritage collection

Rockstar by Soon Lee
#3-08 Orchard Cineleisure
8 Grange Road, Singapore
T: +65 6836 8201

The Store: The Asylum on Ann Siang Hill

The most common question I get asked is where to go when in Singapore. Well, in the nine months that I've been here, the one place I always recommend is Ann Siang Hill. Far from the chaos on Orchard Road, the area has a very laid back vibe to it, with quaint boutique hotels, cafes, and alternative shops surrounding the area. One particular store you shouldn't miss is Asylum. Once a full-fledged design store, it has turned its discerning eye to fashion, carrying pieces ranging from Mark McNairy loafers to Rick Owens sneaks to Surface to Air shirts. Yeah, not the place to go on a budget, but for oglers like me, it's a visual treat during every single visit!

I love storefronts like this. So minimal like they're hiding a secret!

The first thing that caught my eye - those sweet Mark McNairy tasseled shoes!

A classic, more sophisticated tote from Commune de Paris

The Asylum
22 Ann Siang Road, Singapore
T: +65 6325 3019

The Store: Supermama on Seah St.

What I love about Singapore is that there's no limit to the shopping surprises they have here. All you have to do is look, explore, and submit yourself to getting lost. Yup, because that's exactly how I found this lovely store called Supermama. I was just aimlessly walking around the Raffles Hotel area one night and I saw this sign pointing to an upstairs retail store. Intrigued, I went up to have my mind blown a few steps after. Tucked away in this old building along Seah St. was an-all Japanese goods store that would make every design lover's heart melt.

They had shirts, school supplies (brass pencil cases!), and even cutlery, but what stood out most to me were the bags. For one, they're the only store in Singapore to carry the Siwa bags designed by Naoto Fukasawa for paper company Onao. Imagine this: your tote, backpack, and laptop sleeve having an exterior made up of a brown paper bag, only it's tear-resistant and approximately 100 times more awesome. Clearly, these alone make the trip to the store worth it, but for a store as well-curated as this, every item whole-heartedly deserves your go-see!

This camel Siwa hold-all is my fave item from the store. Oh, those crumples!

The Siwa bag also comes in a white backpack model and red laptop sleeve!

My kind of school supplies. Those wooden rulers are the shiznit!

What the store lacks in size, it more than makes up for in offerings!

The Store: The Specs Stall at Queensway

Queensway Shopping Center is the go-to place for cheap sporting goods here in Singapore. And with my Nike Frees recently giving up on me, I decided there was no better time to give the place a quick look. Little did I know though that the store that would make the most impact on me would actually be an eyewear shop. Yes, amidst all the sneakers, boards, and rackets was this little spectacle stall that had the most wonderful collection. Impressive pieces from Japan, Korea, and even classic Moscot frames from the States? Man, they know what they're doing. Honestly, it's not the bargain bin prices I was looking for (frames range from S$150 to S$250 with lenses), but what the hell, this whole getting fit thing can wait another year! (Yup, I said that last year too.)

Just like my shoes now, I like my specs chunky. Upper right, you'll be mine!

Tortoise shell glasses on bottom left: they're as classic as classic gets!

The Store: Shoes at "The Denim Store"

When your shop's called "The Denim Store", odds are you're going to make your name on awesome jeans. Well, this little boutique did that and much, much more. It's because aside from offering brands like Nudie and Cheap Monday, they also carry shoes which are just as bad ass. One of 'em is English brand Sanders. Cobblers since 1873, the company still makes shoes like they did in the 19th century. The result? Timeless bucks, boots, and brogues which would top my list any day. Just not this one. That's because the real reason I went in - to be honest - were these Red Wing shoes. I've been looking for them for a long time and what's that, they have it in every cut, color, and material possible? Hot damn! Store's like this make me happy I live here. Something for everyone, really. That is, if everyone was cool and had phenomenal taste.

The store's conveniently located at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road!

Sanders bucks and brogues. Oh, I can never have enough of mustard yellow!

Did you know? The famed Mark McNairy has his shoes made at Sanders' factory!

Low-cut Red Wing shoes. *Wipes saliva off chin, thinks of procuring a pair*

They have the most expansive collection of Red Wing's I've ever seen!

The Store: Adidas Style Essentials

After a painful session at the dentist last Saturday, I decided to go around Robinson's Galleria for some much needed retail therapy. I stumbled upon this unopened Adidas concept store that looked to be fully stocked and ready to go. So I did what every curious footwear fan would do - take a sneak peek. I mean that literally too, as in I peeped through the small openings of the pull-down metal gate to see what was different about this new Adidas incarnation.

If I'm not mistaken, I was looking at the Adidas' Style Essentials collection. What makes it different (or similar) to those other three-striped offerings we've seen locally is that it takes inspiration from all of them, from the performance products to the Originals to even the much-heralded Y3 line. The brand extension was conceived to constantly introduce new styles to fit the consumers' every mood, and judging from what I saw, that versatility indeed looks to be there. When the store will open, I still don't know, but I'm surely dropping by once it does. I just hope that along with addressing the consumers' casual footwear needs, it'll be light on the wallet too!

The teaser intrigued me so I peeped into those little holes.

A look inside revealed a lineup of wearable pieces I wouldn't mind having!

Basic Adidas sneakers, why yes please! Looking forward to the opening!

The Happening: Muji Finally in Manila!

After years of waiting, our thirst for Muji has finally been quenched! Wasn't able to go on the first day it opened because of a meeting I had (more on that very soon), but my girlfriend and I made sure to make it on Day 2. The first thing I noticed going in was that this was no half-assed effort on SSI's part. The store was not a watered-down version of the famous brand, but rather a true showcase of what Muji was all about. Clothing, footwear, storage, home, travel, personal care, kitchenware, office supplies - they were all there in their minimalistic glory.

Needless to say, I was thoroughly satisfied with what I found in the men's department. From short-sleeved button-downs to oxford shirts to basic striped Ts to fine trousers, it was truly a classic lover's dream. What truly sets it apart from others brands though (most strikingly, the Gap store below it) was that these basics were sold exactly as such. No puzzling pricing strategy and really just a "sounds-about-right" sentiment whenever I look at the tag. In a country like ours, that is a true rarity. Giving the people what they want? Fuhgedaboudit.

As expected, the clientele was quite diverse. A quick scan at the the long line shows that Muji has already cut across several segments - be it the mom who wants to organize or the teen who wants to sport some swag. This overwhelming welcome is promising, if anything. I actually heard they're planning to open up another branch already, but why stop with just one? Honestly, that can all wait though. For now, I'll just enjoy my afternoon office breaks more by taking a stroll to Muji and checking some other minimalistic Japanese goodies that are to sure to have a place in my life in some shape or form. "Yes, I need it, so I'm buying it, okay?"

The cotton-blazered mannequin welcomes you inside the much awaited store

Some short-sleeved button-down collars for only P795! That's crazy.

Nothing really beats a soft-as-hell white oxford shirt. They had loads of 'em!

Khaki and gray trousers for that busy workweek/playdates ahead.

Even their casual polos sport that awesome button-down collar detail.

Everyday totebags for your consideration. Tad overpriced, but a looker.

Footwear was limited, but their versatility makes up for the small quantities

Seriously thinking about these for my office laptop. The gray's sweet.

Look at all those folders! Talk about organizing in style!

The Happening: The Countdown Begins

Last July, I came up with this list of stores that I was excited to visit in Hong Kong. If you will recall, Muji was part of that list, owing primarily to their lovely minimalistic pieces. Albeit impressed by the offerings, I didn't end up buying anything there, though, because I heard from a little birdie that we were soon going to have our own helping of the awesome Japanese brand. True enough, the signs have come up above the Gap store in Bonifacio High Street. This is particularly exciting because ever since Theodore's left, I haven't had a store around these parts that I was excited to visit every single time. I have a strong feeling all that's going to change come October.

After all those years of hoping and praying, it's finally here!

Judging from the size of the Make Room space before, it's going to be pretty big

Can't wait to see what Muji Manila is going to look like!

The Store: Glenmore Bespoke Shoes

The most awesome discoveries in life are those you don't expect. That's exactly what went down in Metrowalk today when I went to search for some new DVDs, but instead found this amazing shoe store hidden among all the pirated goods. In contrast to everything around it, boy, was this stuff legit. It was a custom shoe shop where you could design your dream shoes and have it hand-made and turned over to you in a week. So utterly awesome.

I've been looking for a store like this for the longest time!

A taste of what this wonderful discovery can do

The store's called Glenmore Shoes and if you ask your dad or lolo, they'd probably know about it. The store's been around since the 60s, but the the family that owns it only revived it a year and a half ago. Better late than never I'd say, because based on the samples I saw, these guys know what they're doing. They know classic shapes, they know fine craftsmanship, and they know quality materials. Always a stellar combination.

For only P4,300, you could already have some self-designed brogues, oxfords, and loafers! If you think that's pricey, how about I tell you that you can pit their products against the high-end pairs you can find in Rustan's? You know, the Marc Jacobs and the John Varvatoses of the world? An effing bargain if you ask me, son. As for their moccasins, they go for P1,850 and they make some fine ass desert boots too.

These brogues are perfect, just like they made them in decades past!

Goodbye Topman Mocs! These mocs are just as good if not better!

Some lovely loafers for your consideration

Tasty Clarks-ish desert boots for a lot less!

Clearly, this opens up a whole lot of options for my shoe closet and yours. It's like being a kid in the candy store. Matter of fact, I already have some ideas of what shoes I want made. How about some blue brogues like this? Or some tasseled loafers like this? Or some wonderful desert boots like this? Sky's the limit, you guys, and I think I'm not exagerrating when I say that this is quite possibly the most wonderful discovery I've had this year!

Glenmore Shoes
Unit 19-G, 2nd Floor, Metrowalk Complex
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines
Landline: 409.8960
Mobile: 0908.491.8790
http://glenmoreshoes.com

The Happening: Cotton On, Found!

One of life's greatest mysteries is not finding what you want when you want it, but finding it by chance when you've stopped searching. It's quite the roller coaster, really, starting with frustration, then depression, and ultimately, satisfaction. Thus was the manner in how we found our first Cotton On store. After frantically searching for it in Day 1 of our trip, my girlfriend just happened to spot it while waiting at our meeting place in front of the Langham Place Mall in the Mongkok area on Day 2. I was on the phone with her when she discovered it, and I could just feel her eyes widen at the sight of the previously evasive signage.

For all the hype we've gotten about the value-for-money offerings that this store had, it sure didn't disappoint. Not only were they open until 1 in the morning (we got there around 11PM), but they also has enough goodies to browse through to last us until closing and probably even later. What first attracted me were the seersucker drawstring short shorts which my man Paolo sported when I took his picture before. Just P700 for that bad boy! Their basic shirts were steals too. Two well-made scoopneck shirts for only P720, that's crazy! Ah, life. You're often cruel, but sometimes - just sometimes - you're kind enough to give awesome surprises precisely like this.

Now I know how Indy feels after discovering treasures!

A handsome navy scoopneck which I got with a rose-colored one (not pictured)

My new favorite shorts of all time. Great fit and cut well above the knee!

The Store: The Clarks Originals Shop

I don't have many regrets about the shopping I did in Hong Kong. I pretty much got everything I put on my well thought out list. However, there is one particular store that left me thinking to this very day, one that isn't available here, which makes it all the more painful. What's more, this store offers what I consider to be the it shoes of the moment, the must haves of 2010, the boat shoes of the season, oh enough with the hype!

I'm talking about the fine Clarks Originals shop I chanced upon in Silvercord Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. Unlike the ones in our local Cinderella shops, this is the true Clarks, you guys. The one that offers their timeless signatures - the Desert Boot and the Wallabee, in different colors and varying materials no less! I was about to get one, but the price stopped me. The Desert Boots were going for about P7,500 a pop and the Wallabees even a bit higher. Oh well. For now, I'll just stare at "the pair" I bought to make me feel better. Tell you about them real soon!

I wanted to get that suede tan pair at the right; hopefully next time!

The Happening: Tsim Sha Tsui Shopping

Words cannot describe how I felt when we landed in Hong Kong. Just ask my girlfriend. I was literally foaming in the mouth in anticipation. What we've waited for for six months was finally here, and we wanted to hit the ground running to set the tone for the rest of our stay.

After a quick check-in at our conveniently located hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui (Butterfly on Prat St.) and lunch in a Chinese restaurant in Knutsford Steps, the games officially began. First up was the Miramar Shopping Centre on Nathan Road. It was small compared to the nearby colossal malls, but what it lacked in size, it made for in offerings. It housed favorites like Uniqlo, i.t, and Muji, giving me only about 30 minutes before I made my first purchases.

About a five-minute walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station

While the goods of i.t and Muji were quite lovely in their own rights, my first cash-outs all happened in Uniqlo. I mean, how can I say no to a salmon oxford shirt, sky blue cotton chinos, and a use-it-with-anything striped shirt? How about all three items for only P2,000? Dear lord, I thought they were kidding me! Only that much for three pieces which will now figure prominently in my wardrobe rotations!

The home of classic pieces in a multitude of colors!

A fun oxford variation from the typical whites, blues, and yellows

Ditto, for this ultra comfortable sky blue cotton chinos!

A basic striped roundneck shirt: What's not to like?

Still hungry for more, we moseyed over to Silvercord Mall on Canton Road to check out what we could find. Their store lineup was much better than Miramar's with a two-floor H&M, three i.t stores (one designer, one youth-oriented, one outlet), and the Nike flagship store with a Nike iD Studio to name a few. I wasn't able to get anything, but believe you me, you're bound to find something good 'ere.

The men's department is quite small, so no go for me at this branch

You can customize Nike's trademark pieces as you wish here!

Right across Silvercord is Harbour City - the largest mall in Hong Kong - filled with high-end designer brands. Needless to say, I wasn't able to grab anything here, but window shopping at stores like Lanvin, Prada, and Louis Vuitton gave me a sneak peek into what could be (soon, baby, soon). Overall, shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui took us the whole day and while our feet hurt like hell, it left us excited to see what Hong Kong had for us in the coming days.

If you love premium brands, this is your place!