Homage Indochine @ Gaya

Over the last two weeks, I've let the natural course of shop hunting decide what appears on this blog. Inside however, I felt guided by a few principles; i) focus on shops with unique design contributions. ii) Brands that were less about mass production and more about providing good creative spirit. I wanted to steer clear of any label that 'smacked' of bland commercialism.
In short, I was hunting for shops that were distinctively Vietnamese (but not necessarily traditional Vietnamese culture).

So when I first walked into Gaya, I was a little intimidated by its sprawling 4-storey showroom. I wasn't sure if this was within the lines of my vision. I mean, if such a large brand can be featured, then what's next? Gucci?
I knew the last thing readers out there wanted was a brand that's already plastered all over every media channel.

Now walk with me as I reveal how despite its enormity, Gaya is in fact a brand that has not only managed to blend Vietnamese craftsmanship with international styling but is a brand with a true ambition to deliver inspiring lifestyle to Vietnam.

"Gaya is unabashedly focused on captivating audiences beyond Vietnam with designs inspired by 5 international artisans in a fluid blend of modern styling and iconic Indochine appeal. Gaya whispers elegance without being pompous."



GAYA
1 Nguyen Van Trang, Corner of Le Lai, Dist 1 HCMC

Situated away from well-known shopping streets like Dong Khoi and Nguyen Trai, it is obvious that Gaya's showroom location was one decided by form and function rather than convenience. With 70's styled architecture, its facade itself aims to make a bold statement. Though the front entrance feels rather mundane, you immediately feel relaxed as you walk in and find the decor built more like a home than a shopping arcade. Rattan settee's with velvet cushions set amidst wild African daisies enveloped by dramatic, angular beamed ceiling gives you a sense of serene balance. Warm floor lamps only aim to enhance natural sunlight coming in through large windows all along the walls.



Cream, burgundy and dark chocolate interior decor pieces on the ground floor dramatically weaved from materials like Teflon micro fibres and Poly-rattans offer a weather-proof practicality to the designs. With aquamarine and deep green handbags lined along the opposing walls, the encompassing feeling is strangely reminiscent of being at a beach front bungalow. As I ascend the to the 1st floor, the angular beams with round cornered edges form striking counter points as they caption staircases and segment areas. Here, bone, silver, bamboo and ebony lacquer ware call out to you from the glowing back-lit white light display shelves. Each piece is apparently given 12 layers of lacquer for an impeccable high-gloss finish with refined simplicity as its core design principle. Interspersed between candle stands, vases, jewelery boxes and china is the clothing line, in neat rows hung along the walls and separated by colour codes.



Take your pick of exquisite colour palate ranging from black, reds, apple greens to vibrant pinks. Radiant Cambodian silk, linen and organza fabrics are cut to compliment the female form. Coloured beading, iconic motif prints and/or flattering crimps add a touch of Indochine glamour to each piece. Choose from sleek jacket and pants for your power-house conference to bandeau ball gowns for your night mingling with Monaco's elite; or slinky spaghetti strapped and A-line tulip summer dresses for your Manhattan afternoon rendezvous. Gaya has left virtually no occasion without a piece to set you off looking like a true celebrity.



The sprawling layout of each floor allows you to slowly take in the vast offering as windows provide focal points to the season's latest creations. 2nd and 3rd floors give more attention to bedroom and hall furnishings with rich silk bed linens, rattan beds, lounge chairs, garden benches and wall decor art as it slowly but surely complete its vision of captivating you from the time you wake up to the time you set the night alive.



It is at this point that I realized that there can be a fine line between accessible creativity and commercial appeal. Gaya is a brand that is able to carefully straddle between keeping a strong creative discipline and a charming accessiblity to entice women to part with a few more dollars than usual. After all, isn't that what good business sense is all about? As for the 'Good Shop' and our vision, even though we may not feature another brand this big in the near future, but rest assured we have opened ourselves to the possibility that a big brand can have a truly unique Vietnamese experience.