The best of Bangkok bespoke

Imitation Louboutins, cabaret-wear and hand-pulled rugs. Get it all made here

Bring home your very own bespoke cabaret dress, just like these worn by Phuket's Simon Cabaret performers.

Bangkok is famous for its tailor-made suits and dresses. But there are some lesser-known made-for-you delights to be found among the city’s bespoke offerings.

Khatoey cabaret wear
For the less sensibly shod, the Khatoey (ladyboy) cabaret-wear at Pratunam market will fulfill any showgirl fantasy you may be harboring. These tight-fitting, bejewelled, feathered, fluffed and ornately fancy works of art specially created to tantalize and titillate also make splendid souvenirs.

To find a suitable seamstress head to the maze of stalls inside the market -- outside is mostly bulk-buy tourist stuff -- and the starburst of sequins and daring rainbow colors will guide the way amid the other workaday gray school/work uniform stalls. From bikinis to ball gowns, you can get it all -- matching feather headdress is optional.

Pratunam Market is on Rajdamri and New Phetburi Roads between the Amari Watergate and Baiyoke Tower hotels. BTS: Chidlom. From there, take a taxi. Ambitious walkers can hoof it there in 20 minutes.

Fashion portfolios
Narcissists, fantasists and wannabe fashion models look no further than every Thai teen’s dream. Bringing a whole new meaning to the words “center of attention” Cheeze Studio offers the professional setting of a photographic gallery complete with a team of photographers/stylists/designers/wardrobe plus props and ideas aplenty -- right in the middle of a popular shopping center.

Entirely encased in a glass box and viewable from 360 degrees, the space allows for maximum exposure and either chic, minimal or fantasy interiors. Expect an audience.

Ground floor, Siam Center, Rama 1 Road, BTS: Siam. Tel. +66 (0)2 658 1744


Personalized cocktails
Are you a classy glass of champagne or a cheap date who falls over at the sniff of a gin fizz? Find out your true cocktail personality from those in the know at Bangkok Flow.

A team of five specialist mixologists, this dapper gang of guys are hardly your average bartenders, offering bespoke services to clientele looking for the ultimate in parties, events and exclusive establishment makeovers.

For the non-alcoholic, the Jaffa Latte at the bijou Flow Caffé is a wakeup brew complete with twists of zest and truffle on the side.

Flow Caffé, 1st floor, Vanissa building, Soi Chitlom, Phloenchit Road, (behind Central Chidom), BTS: Chidlom. Tel. +66 (0)2 655 5445


Hand-pulled carpets
Never has floor covering been such fantastic fun. In a land full of polished floors and shoe-less interiors, it makes sense that Bangkok would have some supremely funky custom-made floor coverings.

Art On The Floor’s bespoke rugs offer the ultimate in fluffy luxury for the feet. Hand crafted by artisans, they also have a certain retro-appeal.

Fancy your favorite artwork recreated in technicolor shagpile? Not a problem. What we love most, however, are the handmade rugs recreated from your own kids’ paintings -- expressionism with a twist.

The Promenade Décor, Nai Lert Park Hotel, Wireless Road, tel. +66 (0)2 655 4249


Custom-made shoes
Whether they've got tiny tootsies, massive "plates o meat," comfortably spread toes or if they simply fancy a well-made designer copy shoe with leather bag to match, people travel far and wide to seek out Siam Bootery. Its artisans create skilful recreations of designer shoes, copies of your favorite footwear or unique fantasy creations.

Nobody has to know those Cristian Louboutin knockoffs aren't the real thing. Built to last and at a reasonable cost, similar bespoke shoe shops abound in the area. Off the shelf and custom-made both available.

Siam Bootery, 292-296 Sukhumvit Road (opposite Soi 19), BTS: Asok. Tel. +66 (0)2 229 4413