Retail
Archie, Selong, Kebayoran Baru
A haven for sartorialists nestled in the quieter end of Jalan Gunawarman in Senopati, Archie showcases a line of sharp tailoring and ready-to-wear clothing from names such as Drake’s, as well as made-to-measures pieces from Flannel Bay and Sartoria Melina. Founder Michael Wong regularly hosts trunk shows with the latest from Japan’s Lecteur and Florence’s Leonardo Simoncini. Their collaboration with Alden is perfect for Jakarta’s perpetual summer.
Brillington & Brothers, Selong, Kebayoran Baru
Brillington & Brothers (nearby Archie) is a suave touch to Jakarta’s austere tailoring scene, with Florentine-inspired cuts that feature wide lapels and soft con-rollino shoulders. Founded by Ronald Makasutji and Audrey Jessica in 2010, the atelier offers sophisticated sartorial options made from exclusively sourced fabrics, including olive Barleycorn linen from French merchant Maison Hellard – a remarkable choice to go with a laid-back linen suit.
Post, Petogogan, Kebayoran Baru
Tucked away in former wet market Pasar Santa’s upper floor, Post is an oasis for the city’s indie literati. Founded in 2014, the shop champions independent publishers such as Marjin Kiri and Further Reading, and art books from Jordan, Jordan Édition. A cultural hub that hosts talks and book launches, Post also operates its own publishing arm in its snug yellow space.
Sarinah, Gondangdia, Menteng
Jakarta’s oldest department store was first envisioned by president Sukarno in the 1960s and is now a dynamic cultural and retail space, housing locally made goods. Its post-renovation offering spans everything from heritage-rich batik ateliers and new homegrown brands to an extensive selection of regional food and beverages, and a plaza that holds events and performances. Stop by for cool finds or some jajanan pasar from Sari Sari to go.
SukkhaCitta, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru
Founded by Denica Riadini-Flesch, SukkhaCitta works directly with female artisans (who they lovingly call ibu, meaning “mother”) in rural Indonesia, ensuring fair wages while preserving traditional batik and ikat techniques. Every piece is naturally dyed and made from regenerative cotton that they grow themselves. Their collections, which come with a lifetime repair guarantee, balance contemporary silhouettes with centuries-old know-how, proving that ethical fashion can be just as refined as it is responsible.
AlvinT Gallery at Indonesia Design District, Kosambi, Kabupaten Tangerang
Indonesian designer Alvin Tjitrowirjo founded this Jakarta-based contemporary furniture brand in 2006. Best known for its use of rattan, its showroom in the Indonesia Design District (IDD) – an out-of-town homeware and furniture cluster – is reminiscent of a gallery. Other IDD shops that are worth a visit for suitcase-sized purchases include Oaken Lab and Cayenne Home.
The Goods Department, Pondok Pinang, Kebayoran Lama
Jakarta’s trailblazing concept shop The Goods Department was founded in 2010 to champion Indonesian fashion labels. The buzz declined following a change of ownership but the recent return of its original founders, Anton and Cynthia Wirjono, has injected fresh excitement. The Wirjono siblings are also behind Brightspot Market, an urban-lifestyle festival famed for spotlighting the country’s emerging brands.
Unearth, Kramat Pela, Kebayoran Baru
Unearth brings together hand-thrown earthenware (be on the lookout for one-offs made by the staff), thoughtful wooden pieces, soft tailoring and cosmetics from more than 30 local names. This retail nook upstairs from 1/15 café in Gandaria is run by the same trio behind the ceramics studio, Ayu Larasati Ceramics. Workshops are hosted here on weekends alongside occasional exhibitions.
Periplus at Grand Indonesia, Menteng, Menteng
National bookshop chain Periplus, a staple at most Indonesian airports, is gradually revamping branches across Jakarta. The fairly compact Grand Indonesia shop is convenient for a quick browse and enjoys direct access to the mall from Hotel Indonesia Kempinski. Meanwhile, the Setiabudi One location comes with a coffee shop to sit down with a new paperback. Stop by at their IDD store too, when you’re there.
Papilion’s Market Place / The Papilion, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan
A neighbourhood grocer in Kemang – a once popular expat enclave in South Jakarta that is now enjoying a revival – Papilion’s Market Place carries a selection of artisanal products, fresh produce and kitchen essentials. Huize Van Wely’s patisserie counter sits alongside an in-house kitchen serving simple yet well-made fare. Head upstairs and you’ll find The Penthouse, a restaurant offering a calmer setting, and fashion boutique Papilion Duo (both under The Papilion brand). Stock up the larder and stay for dinner and drinks.
