This Is Not A Mall

By Benjamen Judd

We loved the title of this amazing online shopping site because it reminded us of being a teenager in art class, puzzling over that infamous quote ‘ceci n’est pas une pipe’. But we also like the website because its like an online pirate ship and we’re modern day Goonies rummaging through One Eyed Willie’s treasure. But, and this is the best thing, it is an online store that has dedicated itself to improving the lives of women and children living in South East Asia.

This Is Not A Mall donates 15 per cent of their profits to Faa Lang Fon, an aid project that helps the impoverished in Thailand. Many of the more popular products on the website, and there are a lot, are all sourced form local tribes in Thailand. In particular, the Hilltribes of Northern Thailand.

The website operates just like a mall would – brands have their own ‘stores’ on the website where they can sell their goods and there is a great mixture of the rural and urban inspired products. One label, Dry Clean Only, was recently contacted by the style team that works for Rihanna to make a series of one off pieces for her latest tour. Needless to say, this brand is currently one of the hottest selections in Thailand right now.

The website is arranged in ‘floors’ where you go in to find the thing that you’re after. This includes books, music and even movies but the real treat is the vintage store. If, like us, you like the idea of some recycled threads this is a perfect way of getting something that you couldn’t find in your local second-hand store. And did we mention it’s all for a good cause?