Kuala Lumpur is without a doubt a city in Asia worth visiting. More well-known for its flavoursome local cuisine than local shopping scene, but things are slowly changing. Thanks to the iconic international brands like Jimmy Choo, Royal Selangor and Padini, KL is already on the international shopping map and it is a fact that shopping is the favourite holiday activity for Malaysians (Redberry 2012). WOW that is around fifteen million people.
Given the climate – humid, misty and moist malls are the preferred way to shop in this cosmopolitan city! If the Golden Triangle is KLs CBD, then Bukit Bintang is KLs version of Tokyos Ginza, Sydneys Pitt Street Mall and Singapores Orchard Road. When it comes to shopping the Golden Triangle is a great place to start, especially that it is walking distance from most of citys luxury hotels. Luxury shopping along Bukit Bintang can be found in Pavilion KL and Starhill Gallery.
Pavilion KL
Home to over 450 retail shops across seven levels, its great to see that there is one floor dedicated to local designers. Discover local brands like Padini Concept Store for on-trend fast fashion. At the other end of the floor you will find local brands such as Dressing Paula, Eclipse, Flow, Ms. Read, Subzero Jeans, and The Mod House. Pavilion KL was the host to KL Fashion Week 2013 and so really is well-positioned to be titled KLs centre of fashion and shopping.
Starhill Gallery
Across the road, Starhill Gallery houses some of the worlds most luxurious and prestigious brands. In terms of local designers, Khoon Hooi can be found on the first floor. Stand out feature of this mall is the red escalators scattered all over the place. Dont they just depict ultimate opulence?!
For those seeking more local designers we suggest you head up Bukit Bintang to Farenheit 88 and Lot 10, where you will find dozens of up-and-coming local designer labels.
