The building famed for Le Popil's photography gallery lives on, but instead of photographs, the walls of this space now house rails of clothing and shelves of bags and cushions. Welcome to L' Armoire D' Alexandra.
Owner Alexandra Barter's background in textile design has resulted in a bold elephant hand-printed design that instantly grabs your attention upon entering this new clothing boutique. The pattern is as eye-catching as it is simple, and irresistible on large cushions, bags, linen tea towels, and make-up bags. Available in a range of colours from red, dark blue, soft grey, pink and khaki, the black elephants on a cream background really do look stylish. The bags are a great size and would be ideal for mummies lugging nappies and bottles around. Girl's dresses and dungarees ensure that the little people are not left out of the style stakes.
The clothing is absolutely designed with the climate in mind. The red, navy and striped patterned tops hanging on the rails cause the words 'French chic' to jump to mind faster than the moto dops do when you get off a bus from Siem Reap. Cotton and linen are used in strong, simple shapes that can be worn to work or dressed up for the evening. A pair of beige sailor-style trousers with big buttons along the pockets is a good example of that: Worn with flats and a white t-shirt during the day, it can carry you into the night with a pair of black heels and a button up shirt. Speaking of buttons, the care and attention-to-detail applied to the clothing design is excellent.
Colour is ever present in this chic boutique. Long evening dresses in reds and oranges, blues and yellow skirts ensure that colour-addicts get their rush. The black linen dresses look as though they can handle the wear and tear of local life, while still keeping their smart appearance (no small feat).
During my time in L' Armoire D'Alexandra I found myself daydreaming of standing on a temple, hair blowing in the wind, hand in linen trouser pocket, crisp white shirt showing zero signs of sweat or dust…and while the care instructions made no such promises, the inspiration was certainly there.
L'armoire D' alexandra
#126, Street 19, Phnom Penh
+855 12 830 551