Fashion in Saigon
There are some good fashion shops in Saigon, from the well-known Khai Silk, to lesser-known, but significant smaller shops.
In all of them, we've found the workers to be knowledgeable and friendly, the designs unique and interesting.
Most fashion shops are either on Dong Khoi Street in District One, or are within a short walking distance, on nearby streets.
De Tham Street is a big further west, an easy walk, or simpler still by motorbike or xiclo.
Khai Silk
107 Dong Khoi Street. Tel: (08) 829-1146. www.khaisilkcorp.com
Hoang Khai's flagship store has an amazing selection of top-notch fashions.
Khai's made a great name for himself in Vietnam and Thailand, and it's easy to see why.
He has other stores in Saigon, and Hanoi as well.
F Silk
A few doors to the south of Khai Silk is F Silk, another good brand, featuring well-designed clothes and accessories.
Dong Du Street (intersects with Dong Khoi at Sheraton Hotel)
Sapa
64 Dong Du Street. Tel: (08) 827-7707. Other location on De Tham Street (see below).
Here, designer Vo Pham Vu Dong, her husband Peter Karlsson, and partner Niklas Wikindsson have put together a very nice shop with fashions and accessories accented by tribal designs from northern Vietnam.
We especially enjoyed the Yao-accented traditional ao dai dress.
Nguyen Hue Street (one block west of Dong Khoi Street)
Minh Khoa
48 Nguyen Hue Street. Tel: (08) 829-8934.
GPS: N10°46.451' E106°42.237'
Designer Minh Khoa, in his small shop a few meters south of the Mac Thi Buoi Street intersection, sells gorgeous wraparound skirts, with sophisticated pleating.
We liked the fact that his designs are available in pastels as well as blacks.
MinhHanh
114 B Nguyen Hue. Tel: (08) 825-1790.
Immediately to the south of the Vietnam Airlines office at the southeast corner of Nguyen Hue, (a few blocks north of Minh Khoa's shop) you'll find Minh Hanh's elaborately designed hats, scarves, and dresses.
He has another shop on Dong Khoi, at number 24, as well.
Nam Ky Khoi Ngia Street (several short blocks west of Dong Khoi Street)
QB Mode
104 Nam Ky Khoi Ngia Street. Tel: (08) 823-0955.
GPS: N10°46.467' E106°41.983'
Here, designer Nguyen Quoc Binh has put together a fun, breezy store full of whimsical, beautifully embroidered dresses and casual wear.
We saw some cocktail dresses that were superb, and unique.
Vo Viet Chung
101 Nam Ky Khoi Ngia Street. Tel: (08) 827-4214. www.vovietchung.com
GPS: N10°46.457' E106°41.982'
Right across the street from QB Mode, Vo Viet Chung shows off a wonderful collection of elegant evening dresses, which mix traditional ao dai with daring new motifs.
De Tham Street (south of intersection of Pham Ngu Lao Street)
Sapa
223 De Tham Street. Tel: (08)836-5163.
Gorgeous tribally-inspired handbags, dresses, and accessories on the ground floor combine with authentic tribal clothing on the floor above.
This shop is better stocked than their store on Dong Du (above).
Xa Saigon
259 De Tham Street. Tel: (08) 836-1839.
A few doors north of Sapa, designer Vo Thi Kim Van has developed a store with her own tribally-inspired fashions, mixed with the real thing.
We bought two gorgeous Flower Hmong shirts for men at $10 and $15 USD, and felt terribly about not having bought more.
