The conceptual birthplace of Opening Ceremony is Hong Kong, while co-founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim took part in a shopping-fueled vacation. Upon their return home to New York, they decided to open a Howard Street shop based on the aesthetic they saw overseas. Now, WWD reports that Leon and Lim are paying homage to that life-changing trip by collaborating with Hong Kong department store Lane Crawford.

Having just returned from a trip to Singapore and Hong Kong, I must protest.  Shopping in Asia is something that seems like it would be amazing, but hasn’t often panned out for me.  

Okay, there are a couple things that I’ve bought while in Asia that I love.  

A handmade Karen tribal tunic that I bought while doing a trek through northern Thailand.  A geometric-print Yves Saint Laurent sweaterdress from a vintage (or knockoff?) boutique in Garosu-gil in Seoul.  

But more generally, Asia’s not a place where it’s easy to shop.  

You think, “Tokyo style!  Totally amazing!”  But then you go to Tokyo, and you physically cannot fit into anything, except the shoes.  And do you want to dress like a Harajuku girl/in cosplay style, anyway?

Or you’re walking around a mall in Hong Kong, and it’s the same exact brands as in New York, but just marked up a ton - whether it’s Club Monaco or Chloe.

I guess my shopping personality is partially to blame as well - in a place without J. Crew or sample sales, what do I really expect?