Best shops in KL: Fashion

Stylist and designer Allien Gan has taken over a small corner of Publika, and with great results. His edit of streetwear and accessories, designed by himself and other regional designers, is cool but not intimidatingly so – there’s a line of simple, sharp leather bags, alphabet totes, slouchy T-shirts and slinky tops. If you’re looking for a slightly funkier outfit for a night out, that can be arranged too – Allien’s recent collection that showed at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week is available in store, and it involves, among other things, leather harnesses. For a more casual purchase, cheeky socks by Medium Rare also make an appearance.

If your grandmother failed to bequeath you with adequate dresses, head over to Chalk. Ok, we’re not going to lie, Chalk has only a range of pre-loved reworked items, vintage bags and accessories, but the selection is large enough for a leisurely afternoon of browsing.

M Store is one of KL’s most exciting multi-brand boutiques. There is a fair amount of auntie-wear on the racks, but mixed among Elizabeth & James, Clover Canyon, Emma Cook and, perhaps most excitingly, Jonathan Liang. You’ll also find an excellent edit of accessories in store, from stackable Vita Fede bangles to Philippe Audibert gems, plus Schutz and Sam Edelman shoes. If the prices are a little too steep for you, head to the MO Outlet, which sells past season stock at very good prices.

The guys from Pestle & Mortar launched this multi-label retail chain in June, stocking up on international brands that focus on street wear, fashion and lifestyle. Major Drop has all your daily sartorial needs: caps, T-shirts, pants, shoes, wallets, sunglasses and more. They want to provide a space where people have access to international brands that aren’t available in KL, according to Hugh Koh, the creative director and co-founder of Pestle & Mortar.

Seven years on and Shoes Shoes Shoes is still one of the best local shoe brands around. Owner Ung Yiu Lin is big news now – her shoes are worn by all the local celebrities and civilians, and her bag line KLutched is carried (literally and in stores) in Paris. (Plus she’s married to sports star heartthrob Azlan Iskandar.) Shoes Shoes Shoes now has outposts in BSC and Great Eastern Mall, but the best is still the original Telawi store.

Sole What is one of very few sneaker specialist stores in Malaysia. With two stores across the town, you can find anything from Onitsuka Tiger, Vans, Feiyue to the only recently available Dr.Martens. Nearly everything here is limited edition, and they also bring in selected accessories, like bracelets, watches, caps and bags. Stock is limited and the staff can be a pain, but it’s worth it for sneakers no one else has.