G.O.D. (Goods Of Desire) is another of my favorite Hong Kong shopping haunts. G.O.D., named after the literal translation of the Cantonese words “to live better”, was founded by Douglas Young in 1996. It now has four stores in Hong Kong and sells wholesale to stores in New York, London, Sydney, Singapore and the Netherlands.
Young’s aim when he set out was to sell products defining “Hong Kong culture – which is a fusion of modern Asia and western lifestyle”. The above image (a jam-packed street scene in Kowloon’s Yau Ma Tei) has been reproduced on handbags, t-shirts etc. and has become instantly recognisable as a G.O.D. product.
One of the reasons I love G.O.D. so much is the variety of stock. You can find one-off vintage pieces (Shanghainese art deco if you’re lucky – or the usual communist kitsch) amongst their exclusive range, as well as a few brands that other Australians would be familiar with such as Maxwell & Williams.
The store in Causeway Bay, which is closest to me, is quite large – well, large for HK anyway – and has a garden on the eaves surrounding the upper level, so when you look out the windows you see something other than the usual concrete sprawl that is so often dominant. It stocks everything from clothing and accessories to furniture, tabletop, bedding, gifts, lighting, and homewares to stylish garden accessories and plants.
So if you’re heading to HK, I’d say definitely make a stop into G.O.D. if your schedule allows!
Monocle – one of my favorite magazines – finally opened their permanent store and Asian news bureau last week in the cool Star Street district of Wan Chai. Stocking back issues of the magazines as well as a curated range of product collaborations including books, posters and CDs, its just another excuse to spend some time in one of my favorite neighbourhoods. If you’re in Hong Kong and want to check it out the address is Shop 1 Bo Fung Mansion, 1 – 4 St. Francis Yard, Wanchai. The shop is open from 11am to 7pm daily.
