Kwun Tong Shopping Tour
Arthur Tam
If you’ve already traversed through the hotspot shopping districts of Central, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok, and want to veer away from the obvious touristy areas, hop on the MTR and head toward Kwun Tung – one of the hippest up-and-coming districts in Hong Kong. It’s an older industrial area that hosts some of the cities hippest, underground parties and concerts, while offering a picturesque view of the historic Kai Tak Airport from the no-to-long-ago renovated harbour front promenade. On top of that, Kwun Tong is populated with passionate self-starters and creatives whose shops reflect the diverse tastes and cultures of our city’s consumers. The only drawback is how well concealed and hidden all these cool places are. But worry not, Arthur Tam helps you find all the coolest stores on your Kwun Tung shopping tour
Vintage Maze
Why go to a flea market when you can find the most eclectic assortment of vintage goods at the appropriately named, Vintage Maze. The shop looks like a mish mash between the tastes of a Japanophile, music geek and a horror film enthusiast. Nothing seems to make sense, until you fully let go and allow yourself to engage with the mayhem of goods on display. You’ll find a range of fun, nonsensical items including: discontinued action figurines, galactic accessories, ornate treasure chests and even an alligator facemask. We know you’ve been needing one of those. Vintage Maze also puts together various pop up events around the city, so be sure to check out their Instagram handle – @vintage_maze. Opening hours vary, so it’s best to call first.
Info
12/F, High Win Factory Bldg, 47 Hoi Yuen Rd, Kwun Tong
6846 8388
facebook.com/vintagemaze
Com N’ Sense
This eclectic new store, lined floor-to-ceiling with earthy wood tone aspires to inspire shoppers with fresh ideas to decorate their house. The outlet sources its products from around the globe and retails clothing, furniture, stationery and ‘zakka’, which is Japanese for ’many things’, including lifestyle and household products. The simple contemporary design of the store instills a thoughtful calmness. Peruse the products here and also enjoy an artisanal coffee as you roam in peace.
Info
Open all week 11am-8pm
Unit A1, 3/F, Hung To Ctr, 94-96 How Ming St, Kwun Tong
3584 7886
comn-sense.com
Red Cloud
America has Levi’s, Japan has Evisu, but what does China have in terms of a recognizable, respectable denim brand? Red Cloud attempts to answer that question by making top quality Chinese denim ($700-$1,000) crafted from premium long-staple Turpan cotton from Xinjiang. The company dyes and produces handmade jeans out of their small factory operation in Shenyang with the goal of paying homage to 1950s and 60s American workwear. The space has a comfortable American Western feel, accented by vintage fixtures that date back to old Shanghai. Expect friendly staff that are passionate about workwear fashion, promoting what could be the first Chinese heritage denim brand.
Info
Mon-Fri, 7pm-10pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-9pm
Flat 1C, Block 1, Kwun Tong Industrial Ctr, 472 Kwun Tong Rd
2377 0423
facebook.com/redcloud.hk
Growth Ring and Supply
If you’re looking for unique, industrial-styled furniture, this is your one-stop shop. Growth Ring & Supply’s incredible raw space makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to 1930s America when gumption, grease and oil dictated the fashions. The spacious area has a cool speakeasy aesthetic thanks to its collection of reclaimed and reworked furniture ($4,000-$7,000) originally from the States and the UK. All their reclaimed pieces are vintage, worn pieces that have a beautiful old world charm while the reworked furniture combines modern components with vintage cast iron parts to create chairs, desks, tables and couches. Besides furniture, Growth Ring & Supply sells tasteful Japanese interpretations of American workwear that range from dungarees, chambrays, jeans and tough looking shirts. This is quite possibly one of the coolest and best curated stores in Kwun Tong.
Info
Mon-Sat, 11.30am-8.30pm
5/F, Block AB, How Ming Factory Bldg, 99 How Ming St, Kwun Tong
3462 3288
facebook.com/growthringsupply
Parc
Decorate your home in quaint, French countryside style with furniture, homewares and antiques from from Parc. Director Ceci Leung has an eye for chic, classic aesthetics that are never threatened by fickle trends. It’s all about French leisure and standing against the test of time at this adorable shop.
Info
Tue-Fri, 12pm-7pm; Sat, 12pm-6pm
Unit B2, 10/F, 60 Hung To Rd, Kwun Tung
3956 4466
par-c.com
HK2 Stroke
Imagine yourself in Roman Holiday, zipping around the city à la Hepburn and Peck on a vintage restored Vespa from the 1960s. Now, turn that into a reality at HK2Stroke where you can find a wide selection of restored classy Italian rides that range from $20,000 to $40,000. Depending on the make and model, owner Chris Keith is more than happy to help you customise your scooter just the way you like it. Your Hong Kong holiday begins now. Ride around the Southside of the city like you’re at the Tuscan shores.
Info
Flat C2, 8/F, 472 Kwun Tong Rd, Block 1, Kwun Tong Industrial Ctr, Kwun Tong (By appointment only.)
6019 1039
facebook.com/hk2stroke
Arthur Tam, a Fashion, LGBTI, Film editor and In-house stylist for Time Out Hong Kong. Former host of From Top to Bottom – Hong Kong’s first LGBTI focused radio programme on RTHK. Basically I’m trying to cover it all. If it has to do with social issues, culture or something that has a sense of intrigue, I’m game to write about it.