Even if you’re neither a sunglass fanatic nor a Nana Komatsu or Blackpink’s Jennie fan, it’s almost impossible not to be captivated by Gentle Monster’s whimsical spaces and exquisite Asian-tailored eyewear collections. The luxury South Korean eyewear label has been creating ripples in the fashion and design world for its distinct style, pushing the boundaries of eyewear design to a new level.
Opening its doors in Malaysia, Gentle Monster’s presence in the country marks a significant milestone in its global expansion. The eyewear brand recently launched its Kuala Lumpur flagship store located at The Exchange TRX. Whether you’ve seen one of your favourite celebrities wear their glasses or are just a fan of the brand, it now has become easier to cop a pair (or two). But before you head off to the swanky new mall, here are a few things you should know before visiting the flagship store.
What is Gentle Monster?
The eyewear brand was born in 2011 by founders Jay Oh and Hankook Kim. It was purposefully crafted to cater to the Asian market by introducing oversized frames that are not only stylish but also designed to perfectly complement Asian facial features hence the low-bridged fit. Gentle Monster’s rise to fame has been further fueled by high-profile collaborations and endorsements, including those from South Korean stars such as actress Son Ye Jin and Blackpink’s Jennie, as well as international A-listers like Tilda Swinton.
What does the store look like?
Gentle Monster is known for its surrealist store set-ups, and the Malaysia branch is no exception. With its imposing blinking eye display, massive hyper-real bison and a conceptual art installation, the store is impossible to overlook. Think of it as an art gallery meets eyewear store.
What are they selling? Are there special collections?
The store is surrounded by timeless silhouettes ranging from full-on sunglasses to tinted lenses of various colours and even optical glasses, including the latest 2024 Optical Collection. The pieces come in a variety of shapes, colours and designs. The latest cutting-edge designs and collaborations, which include the elusive Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela collection are also available.
What are the prices like?
Prices vary depending on the style, design and collection but generally, most pieces retail between RM1,000 to RM2,000.
Where is the store and when is it open?
The store is located at G.12A, Ground Level in The Exchange TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur. It’s open between 10 am to 10 pm daily.