Many people might turn their nose up at the idea of a personal shopper – what kind of a vocation is that? But the fact is, being one requires a multifaceted personality. A personal shopper is many things in one: an image stylist, a bargain hunter, a gourmet foodie, a shopping buddy, a guide to the rare and unusual, but most importantly, your eye to the unknown.
People’s views on shopping differ enormously. On one hand you have those who live to shop, on the other there are those who cannot stand walking into a store. Add to this the factor of being in a foreign land and the time constraints of a business trip, and shopping can be a pressure-cooker for some business travellers.
“Clients often have no time and do not know the area well,” says Lilye, owner of The Shopping by Lilye in Paris. “They want to be accompanied by someone who can give good advice and save them time.”
Need a tailored suit for a function? Get fitted for one, tailored down to the last millimetre, while in a boutique in Milan. Or discover genuine antique furniture tucked away in the narrow recesses of Shanghai. These are just some of the things a personal shopper can provide at the bat of a stylishly lined eyelid.
In areas like Tokyo and Paris, where English is not the common vernacular, personal shoppers fill in as translators to bridge the language gap while getting the best bargains.
It has been said that personal shoppers are for those who have a lot of money but not a lot of time. Admittedly, their services do not come cheap, but you can’t really put a price tag on finding the perfect Valentino suit and not wasting an entire afternoon looking for it, can you?
WHERE Paris
WHO Lilye
WHAT Lilye from The Shopping by Lilye, is a professional stylist and shopper who takes clients through the glitzy City of Lights, while showing them Parisian boutiques, restaurants, decor and culture.
SERVICES Lilye provides a list of services starting from express shopping where she hunts for whatever you desire, be it clothes, flowers, wine or furniture, and delivers it wherever you wish. If you have time on your hands, Lilye can meet you over a drink to analyse your style and discuss what you are looking for. Depending on what you want, she can take you to boutiques – from the iconic to the lesser known – for a wardrobe makeover, or suggest authentic Parisian restaurants for wining and dining. She can provide an all-day package inclusive of shopping, lunch, tea, spa massage, hair styling and make up, and dinner.
Language barriers are not a problem for Lilye. “I have many foreign customers – Indian, Australian, English, Middle Eastern, Russian, American – who do not know Paris very well and want to experience this city.”
COSTS Session rates start from €65 (US$92) per hour to €280 (US$397) for half-a-day or €450 (US$638) for a full day.
CONTACT +33 06 75 66 06 59
WHERE London
WHO Gabrielle Teare
WHAT Gabrielle Teare specialises in providing personal shopping and image styling services for men and women.
services Teare provides consultations for clients on the colours, shapes and styles that suit them. She can help build a list of required items that suit your image and walk into your closet and throw out clothes considered unwanted or outdated. Based on your style preference, budget and lifestyle, she will research various shops for you and find outfits that flatter you.
“In the UK, we wear only 20 percent of what we buy so learning how to buy only clothes that you love makes economic sense and saves money very quickly,” she says.
While her expertise lies in fashion and retail, Teare can just as easily provide material, food and wine for an elaborate event as well.
COSTS Prices vary as packages are tailored for each client
CONTACT +44 07 98 531 300
WHERE Milan
WHO Melanie Payge
WHAT Melanie Payge was the managing editor for GQ Italia before starting PlanMilan in 2006. Equipped with fashion and technical dressing know-how and knowledgeable in design, museums, antiques and art, Payge provides professional buyer and translation services in one of the world’s most famous style capitals.
SERVICES PlanMilan offers a wide range of personal assistance services to meet all secretarial, administrative and organisational needs. This includes travel arrangements, recommending hotels and restaurants, shopping for designer clothing labels and furniture, even translation services in English, French or Italian, while accompanying the client to meetings, trade fairs and exhibitions.
If you like shopping but want to do it in style, Payge offers a “luxury shopping experience” around the Golden Quad where all the major designers are concentrated. Thanks to Payge’s contacts with boutiques there, you are ensured the full VIP treatment. This involves private dressing rooms in Prada, Dior Valentino and YSL, and having clothes brought to you, altered and delivered to your hotel within 24 hours. This is followed by lunch at the elegant Caruso in the Grand Hotel et de Milan or Armani Nobu, before heading to Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Gilli and Stella McCartney, where you can invest in your new wardrobe while sipping champagne – but we don’t recommend doing the same when investing in the stock market.
COSTS One session may cost anywhere between €500 (US$709) and €1,000 (US$1,418)
WHERE Shanghai
WHO Francine Martin
WHAT Martin is from East of the Sun, a company that helps clients navigate through the vibrant metropolis to uncover anything from traditional porcelain to undyed cashmere knitting wools, while exposing them to Shanghai’s culture and everyday life.
SERVICES Martin promises clients an authentic Shanghai experience. “Shanghai has many unique quality products to offer, but finding many of these treasures requires being in the know,” says Martin. “Clients come to me because I customise my outings to fit each client’s wish list and price point and because I take them to unique, off-the-beaten-track and unlisted shops.”
Whether you are looking for jewellery, high-end antique furniture or Chinese ethnic clothing and accessories, Martin can fulfil your needs with ease.
After 25 years of living in Asia, Martin is familiar with the city’s ins and outs and is able to converse in Mandarin, giving her an advantage in both maintaining good relations with the shopkeepers and bargaining for the best deals.
“I give clients a unique look at Shanghai lanes and local life, if they are interested in that aspect of Shanghai, and provide insights into daily life here.”
COSTS Available upon request
CONTACT +86 21 6431 8499
The Big Names
Many major department stores also offer personal shopping and styling services. Here are two of the most famous in the region:
Hong Kong
If you are looking for a unique selection of designer brands, Lane Crawford is the place to go. The speciality store offers Personal Stylists and a Cosmetic Concierge, which provide complimentary services including personalised makeup consultation, professional beauty tips and custom gift selection. You can also enjoy their styling service for fashion, gift, and home and lifestyle products, in the privacy of their luxurious styling suites. Make an appointment with the stylist and chat about your preferences, and a few items will be selected according to your liking. The stores at International Finance Centre (IFC) mall, Pacific Place and Canton Road offer mobile phone recharging services, handbag and shoe repair services, and even recommendations and reservations for restaurants, bars, and theatres.
COSTS None
CONTACT +852 2118 7777
Singapore
Tangs offers an efficient service for the time-starved business traveller. If you want the latest treads in your wardrobe, a personal shopper would do the job. From clothes, to home electronics, to gifts, this service ensures that you get all your shopping done within three to six hours.
The best part is, you just have to make one short trip to the store. First, call their hotline to book an appointment. A personal shopper will take your brief on the products you are looking for and your measurements. By the time of your appointment, the requested items will have been picked out and ready for you. If you are not satisfied, your personal shopper will make necessary changes on the spot, or choose a few more items according to your preference. It’s all fuss-free and quick. Do take note that this service is available on weekdays and non-sale
periods only.
COSTS none
CONTACT +65 6311 3392
By Rachael Ho
