Fashion

12 Fashion boutiques you should not miss at The Exchange TRX

Where style meets comfort

02.01.2024

By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of respective brands
12 Fashion boutiques you should not miss at The Exchange TRX

The Exchange TRX has been the talk of the town in recent weeks, and it’s easy to see why as a multitude of businesses make their Malaysian debut at the latest lifestyle hub. Every brand, from Drunk Elephant to Gentle Monster, is shaking up the local industry in its own unique way. In case you have yet to explore the new social heart of Kuala Lumpur, here are 12 fashion boutiques you must drop by while you’re there. 

 

BALENCIAGA

Where: G.01.0, Level G

The Balenciaga store is hard to miss, given its prime spot adjacent to one of the mall’s main entrances and the two street-facing facades decorated with the enormous, white-lit lettering that spells Balenciaga. Much like its other Kuala Lumpur boutiques, the interior design conforms to the brand’s experiential Raw Architecture concept, which pushes the definition of authenticity by incorporating bold details like rough edges and simulated corrosion while using less virgin materials. The brushed concrete floors have been constructed to resemble pavement tiles, while the walls and shelving units are panelled with aged and stained concrete. A high-definition digital video screen and polished, underlit shelves additionally offer warmth and modernity to the space.

 

VALENTINO

Where: G.06.0, Level G

Make a stop at the Valentino boutique if you wish to experience Italian hospitality. Spanning 224 square metres, the brand-new store celebrates the Maison’s iconic codes and Italian heritage with floors made of Botticino and Sahara Noir marbles alongside an eclectic material palette and elements inspired by Roman architecture. Moreover, the surrounding space is furnished with bespoke pieces like the intricately crafted sculpted plaster chandeliers by Parisian artist Alexander Logé, the brass geometric compositions by Fabio Cinti, and the handmade ceramic door handles by Massimiliano Pipolo. Elsewhere, the ready-to-wear line for Valentino Women, the Valentino Garavani accessories as well as the eyewear collection are showcased in a refined setting adorned with distinctive design touches.  

 

 

LOUIS VUITTON

Where: G.58.0-G59.0 and G.100.0, Level G

Louis Vuitton delivers its A-game right away, welcoming guests with a stunning facade made of white 3D flower mesh echoing the famous LV monogram, a Travertine stone carpet overlaying the natural wood floor and wall plaster made by the French atelier De La Torre. Contemporary pieces curated by artists like Lautaro Cuttica and Florence Pirlot stand in stark contrast to the futuristic interior design that first graced its Paris Saint-Germain boutique. Further, the boutique features several pieces of furniture designed by Etienne de Souza and India Mahdavi, one of the collaborators for the Objets Nomades series. Another centrepiece of the store is the Diamond Screen from Marcel Wanders, a long-time partner of the Maison’s furniture series. 

 

GIORGIO ARMANI

Where: G.47.0, Level G

The Armani Group continues to expand in Malaysia with the launch of the Giorgio Armani boutique at The Exchange TRX. Occupying approximately 366 square metres, the store concept was dreamed up by Giorgio Armani and his team of architects. Each of the five distinct areas—men’s and women’s collections, accessories, VIP rooms, and made-to-measure room—is decorated with a distinct colour palette and Armani/Casa furnishings. Similarly, the ceilings and silk wall coverings harmonise with the onyx and marble-effect floors.

 

FENDI

Where: G.49.0, Level G

The latest Fendi boutique is themed Fendi Universe and sports a facade reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, complete with repeated arches that resemble the brand’s Rome headquarters. When customers enter the store, they will come across a custom glass wall that mimics the movement of water from Roman fountains and a carefully chosen selection of Fendi Casa furniture, which includes unique tables made of green onyx marble. The marble elements in the fitting room—Alaska White and Cristallo Tropicale—additionally solidify the aesthetic of the Maison inside the retail space. 

 

LOEWE

Where: G.05.0-G.05.A, Level G 

Another brand that needs to be at the top of your list is Loewe. The second Malaysian store of the Spanish label boasts an eye-catching storefront with blue ceramic tiles that are handmade and enamelled in Spain. Similar ceramics can be observed throughout the interior, where cool blues are balanced with neutral brown and light green tints. What also adds to the allure of the boutique are the concrete-poured floors, grey stucco walls, twisted iron racks, and brass finishing touches. 

Not to be missed are the thoughtfully selected furniture pieces, which include wool carpets handwoven by British textile artist John Allen, Isamu Noguchi’s paper lamps, Axel Vervoordt’s coffee table, and Utrecht armchairs. The stars of the show, however, are the artworks displayed around the store. Our favourite? Pablo Picasso’s plate Visage Noir AR 39 (1948) and the House Tree Bridge (2018-2021) by Welsh artist Merlin James. 

 

BURBERRY

Where: G.41.0-G.43.0, Level G

British heritage brand Burberry’s store boasts a clean and contemporary layout that aligns with the innovative vision of its creative director Daniel Lee. The minimalist interior designs are punctuated with a few pieces of art, such as wooden sculptures by artist Casey McCafferty and rugs by British textile artist Tom Atton. Adding to this, shoppers can now browse through the winter collection, packed with season checks and updated Equestrian Knight designs. 

 

SAINT LAURENT

Where: G.51.0-G.52.0, Level G

The new Saint Laurent store embodies the modern architectural style of the brand’s creative director, Anthony Vaccarello. Inside the spacious interior, the offerings are framed by marble displays, creating an appealing contrast between fine details and rugged textures. Other features that define the freshly opened store include the fitting room and VIP lounge, both of which have been decorated with rare vintage furniture. 

 

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Where: G.14.0, Level G

Coming in hot red at The Exchange TRX is none other than Christian Louboutin. The 240-square-metre boutique takes its cues from the French designer’s vacation house in Portugal. The facade is covered with emblematic red scales, while the floor has been furnished with red carpets and niches referencing his first store at Galerie Véro-Dodat in Paris. Going further inside the interior, you will find the room decked with white wooden cladding, as well as green and golden salt panels for the tables and shelves. The best part is that it has everything you could want from the Maison, including a huge selection of leather goods, accessories, and shoes for both men and women. 

 

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

Where: G.80.0, Level G

Calling all fans of Kate Spade New York! The American label has just unveiled its 12th Malaysian store at The Exchange TRX and the concept behind the store is the distinctive apartment in the Big Apple. Though there is an extensive use of wooden material used around the room, especially in the floor and wall coverings, it is complemented by the brand’s signature colour palette of green, black and cream with touches of pink, red and yellow. The goods are equally vibrant, with ready-to-wear pieces like the boxy sweater, the awning stripe pattern midi skirts, the tie-neck dress in Winter Chrysanthemum prints as well as the arm candies from the Dakota and Sam collections.

 

ARMANI EXCHANGE

Where: L1.85.0-L1.87.0, Level 1

Armani Exchange is the place you need to go if you are looking for wardrobe staples. The 229-square-metre store is illuminated with LED ribbons and offers the current AW23 collection, which revolves around an earthy colour palette with hints of yellow, green, royal blue and magenta. While the men’s range experiments with a combination of materials and shades to highlight the cut, the women’s line revolves more around expressing individuality with elegance.

 

RAY-BAN

Where: L1.84.0, Level 1

If you’re a fan of the global eyewear brand Ray-Ban, you’ll be pleased to know that The Exchange TRX is now home to the brand’s fourth and largest store in the country. The newly opened store features its iconic black and red tones, filled with large vertical mirrors and LED walls to deliver an immersive retail experience. The classic American brand brings an extensive lineup of sunglasses this time, among which are the Ray-Ban Icons, Ray-Ban Reverse, Ray-Ban Kids, and Scuderia Ferrari. There are also various lens choices to choose from, ranging from prescription lenses to progressive lenses.

 

 

 

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