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| Cibone: Gaienmae | |||
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Need something unique to spruce up your manshon? Check out the newly-renovated Cibone, in the basement of Bell Commons. Its eclectic collection of fun and futuristic furniture, appliances, stationery, clothing, dinnerware and more will intrigue and dazzle.
There's a dreamy sense of lightness, mobility and youth in this giant warehouse with exposed ceilings, concrete floors and tons of halogen track lighting. Cool trance music washes over you as you take a leisurely stroll through the store's loosely divided departments, where much of the merchandise (mostly imported from Europe and Scandinavia) is beautifully displayed in museum-like settings. The brightly-colored Kronan bicycles from Sweden (Y48,000), scattered throughout, give the illusion that you could ride through the whole expanse, stopping whenever something catches your eye (which will be often). Muted yellow and blue dinnerware from Finnish designer Kaj Franck, circular storage compartments from Italian plastics manufacturer Kartell, candy-colored Eros chairs by Phillippe Starck, Brionvega 60's-inspired portable TVs (Y98,000), Flos-Arco's arched floor lamps (Y147,000), and Toshiba's Atehaca line of compact counter-top kitchen appliances are just a few of the things guaranteed to generate oohs and ahhs. Cibone is not shy about prices. An avant-garde couch bed from Artelano (France) will set you back Y250,000, while an Ikepod Swiss mechanical watch goes for Y485,000. The only bargains might be the oddly out-of-place plastic food containers from Rubbermaid. If you're in the mood for something you can carry home easily, pick up some Ex Voto candles from Paris, herbal bath salts from Marks & Web, casual wear by Puma, chic purses by Tampico, or jewelry from UK's Sweet Pea. There are also tons of imported jazz and dance CDs, design and art books, and gorgeous Japanese fabrics, so there's no excuse for not treating yourself to something. In case you need sustenance to help you make those major purchase decisions, check out Lina's on 2F, where, for about Y1000, you can have sandwiches made to order, choosing from an excellent selection of meats, cheeses and breads. Bon appetite and happy shopping! by David Chester |
Cibone
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