There are many reasons to celebrate
Chaul Chnam Thmey, Cambodia’s New Year, which was this past weekend. Politically, the country is finally
putting the masterminds of the Khmer Rouge on trial, hoping that justice helps it move forward. But culturally, it’s already done that, with a spate of new brands, galleries, hotels and boutiques that reflect the kingdom’s roots while looking firmly ahead to
the year 2555 and beyond.
Push Pull: In the 19
th century, Cambodia made what was considered
some of the finest ikat in the world. Today,
Push Pull is reviving that textile superiority by teaming with Khmer weaving artisans and opening up their handmade ikat fabrics to the international market through a range of “It Bag”-worthy accessories. It helps that the team includes former employees of
LeSportsac and
Bluefly, but the strongest selling point of these stylish tote bags, wallets and pillows is the fabric itself. Although Push Pull isn’t launching its full collection until September, it’s already caught the attention of rising chain
Madewell, which
carried one of their sarongs last spring. Those who can’t wait until fall can choose from one of the
three pieces available online now.
1961: A new multi-use space in
Siem Reap,
1961 lives up to its tagline of “Today is yesterday’s tomorrow.” The hotel/gallery/boutique/café is housed in a futuristic ’60s building (hence the name), with both the design sense and the big names of that era dictating the interior. The rooms are inspired by everyone from
the Norodoms (who ruled Cambodia then) to
the Kennedys, decked out with artwork that reflects each space’s namesake. For more art, there’s a gallery with constantly rotating exhibitions, as well as the studio space of owner (and Siem Reap alterna-mogul)
Loven Ramos upstairs. A rack full of vintage dresses and shirts and a bookshelf brimming with ‘60s ephemera help channel the mod decade even further.
The 240: It’s not just Siem Reap that’s home to new multi-tasking venues.
Phnom Penh now has its own fair share of slash-obsessed spaces. Opened by a group that runs a handful of chic
boutique hotels in Cambodia’s capital,
The 240 is another immaculately designed place at which travelers – a few of them, at least, since there are
only five rooms available – can rest their weary heads. Even though reservations can be hard to come by, those who can’t score a bed can stop by to check out the latest works by local artisans in the gallery, nibble on a sandwich at the
organic café, or load up on all-natural sunscreen and imported crackers at the market on the ground floor.
