Hip and Chic Night Market

The fusion of fashion and food is taken to fabulous new heights at the Hip and Chic market in Phuket Town.  If you’re looking for a weekend market that doesn’t sell tasteless, trendy items right next to rows of hanging raw meat, look no further. This market, held at Siam Indigo and Island Paradise on Phang Nga Road, is in a class of its own.  Friends and business partners Celine Masson and Khun Lek combine their passions for cuisine and clothing to give people, “a good reason to come to Phuket Town!”  

Taking place on the first Saturday of every month from 3pm onwards, the market pairs the restaurant and boutique duo with more than a dozen local vendors to showcase some of Phuket’s most talented artists and designers. Shop for handpicked vintage items and custom creations on-sale, or take a break and get your nails done by a skilled artist.  Handmade Bambi jewelry straight from the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is on display right at your fingertips. You’ll also find an assortment of imported design pieces, wonderful wall paintings and indulgent body products.  There truly is something for everyone.

But this event is much more than a shopping spree.  After scouring the racks, hop next door and sample Siam Indigo’s exclusive Hip and Chic tapas for only 230 baht a plate or sip an exotic cocktail while browsing for goods. The party goes late into the evening while visitors simultaneously discover new treasures and refuel with award-winning food on the back patio. The two businesses have succeeded in creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment where patrons can experience a taste of luxury at a competitive price. 

 Khun Lek, owner and head designer of Island Paradise, also displays his unique clothing lines, Century 22, Odd and Ends, 13.1 and Rococo, at Central Festival and Jungceylon.  Never one for staying idle, he also runs the bar Sa Nae Ha in Phuket Town along with the bistro Casa 104 and tapas bar Pimento in Central, just to name a few.  Still, Lek makes it clear that his main focus is apparel-design. “The other things are just hobbies.  The clothes are the real work.” It’s been proven that his savvy business skills and 23 years of designing have paid off, helping owner Celine Masson succeed with Indigo Siam’s monthly market. The event was constantly opening its doors to new visitors.  She says that they don’t charge the vendors anything to set up here.  It’s a fun collaboration and she “just wants people to get a chance to see all the cool things available right here in town and enjoy their weekend.”

The beautiful décor of both venues seamlessly flow together through adjoining doors and outside patios.  There’s no pushing or haggling here, but rather a relaxed, luxurious vibe set to the backdrop of chill lounge music.  The warm aroma of tapas and designer drinks replaces the unpleasant smells of other markets, and their crowded stalls are soon forgotten after passing through the venues’ lavish archways draped in heavy, red velvet. Whatever your taste may be, food, fashion or art, every visitor will be left with a satisfied, peaceful sentiment and probably a new treasure or two.