Tag: Golden Silk

  • DFS Group Cambodia gala opening

    DFS Group Cambodia gala opening

    Luxury travel retailer DFS Group Cambodia has marked the opening of its first store, T Galleria by DFS, Angkor, with a gala event for more than 300 guests.

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia

    In the resort town and provincial capital of Siem Reap, near the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, T Galleria by DFS, Angkor is the largest duty-free luxury department store in Cambodia. It offers travelers an integrated retail, hospitality and leisure experience with 170 brands across 86,000 sqft (7989 sqm).

    The opening celebration began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which traditional Cambodian Apsara hostesses led guests through the two-storey store for traditional cultural performances and demonstrations by Cambodian craftsmen.

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia 3

    From DFS Group were chairman/CEO Philippe Schaus and co-founder Robert Miller, while special guests included Cambodia’s Senior Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and Minister of Tourism Thong Khon.

    DFS Cambodia

    The store features a curated collection of Cambodian artisanal products designed and produced by more than 30 Cambodian artist workshops. At the event, Angkor Artwork, a Siem Reap design studio, demonstrated the art of lacquer work, while Golden Silk, one of the last fully integrated silk producers in the world, wove silk spun from Cambodian silk worms.

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia 2

    Traditional Khmer motifs and carvings feature throughout the store, including a nearly 20m art installation suspended above the vaulted atrium.

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia 1

    T Galleria by DFS Angkor also ranges more than 130 international brands including watches and jewellery from Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany & Co and fashion from Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Fendi, Gucci and Saint Laurent. There are also more than 30 beauty and fragrance brands such as Cle de Peau Beaute, Dior, Estee Lauder and Giorgio Armani.

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia 5

    The gala event also marked the official opening of the onsite restaurant, the first Crystal Jade outlet in Cambodia, serving traditional Chinese cuisine in a setting overlooking the gardens and reflecting pools outside.

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia 6

    DFS T-Galleria Angkor Cambodia 8

    The event also provided a platform to officially announce the company’s sponsorship of several non-profit organisations focussed on helping underserved populations in Cambodia. Schaus presented a donation to Kuma Cambodia, which aims to reduce poverty through providing education, healthcare and nutrition to vulnerable youngsters, English and computer courses for teenagers, and workshops and guidance for parents and guardians.

  • Cambodia duty-free store opened by DFS

    Cambodia duty-free store opened by DFS

    Luxury travel retailer DFS Group has opened its first T Galleria by DFS store for Cambodia in the resort town of Siem Reap.

    Near the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, T Galleria by DFS, Angkor is the largest Cambodia duty-free luxury department store, offering an integrated retail, hospitality and leisure experience.

    The store is opening in phases until June, bringing 170 brands to the 86,000 sqft (7990 sqm) space, including fashion and accessories, watches and jewellery, wines and spirits, and beauty and fragrances as well as locally handcrafted artisan products.

    Next to Angkor National Museum and overlooking a park, the new outlet features traditional Khmer motifs and carvings by Cambodian artisans. Stone columns feature panels carved in styles reflecting the nearby temples and palaces of Angkor Wat, intricately patterned wall screens and floor tiles evoke local architecture, and a 20m art installation suspended above the store’s vaulted atrium, was inspired by the hues of Buddhist monks’ robes. More than 200 local sales associates will welcome customers.

    Several firsts for Cambodia duty-free come with the opening of the store, such as watches and jewellery brands Bulgari, Carl F Bucherer and Tiffany & Co and international fashion brands Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent and Zegna. There are also 12 exclusive beauty and fragrance brands such as Bobbi Brown, Cle de Peau Beaute, Mac and Sulwhasoo.

    Among Cambodian artisans featured are Angkor Artwork, whose master craftsmen Eric and Thierry Stocker produce lacquer and straw marquetry using traditional techniques. There is also Golden Silk, one of the last fully integrated silk producers in the world to use the rare yellow silkworm indigenous to Cambodia, and Samatoa, an eco-friendly accessories brand that has revived the technique of lotus-fibre weaving.

    T Galleria by DFS, Angkor has also teamed up with Artisans d’Angkor, a socially conscious business aimed at revitalising Cambodia’s traditional craftsmanship while pioneering a sustainable working environment. Its exclusive collection of handwoven silks and fine crafts were designed by and will benefit local artisans.

    An onsite restaurant, Crystal Jade, will open in June, the first outlet in Cambodia for the Singapore brand. It will serve traditional Chinese cuisine and dim sum dishes in a casual setting overlooking gardens and reflecting pools.