by Nikkie Gotianse-Tan
I have never been very successful with accessories. Buying pieces separately are easy. It is the mixing, matching, piling on or leaving off that leaves me mystified. I almost never attempt it, as I know the magic of it is creating symphony among what you have. That is why I almost always end up just wearing studs, my trusty watch and wedding ring. But when does dressing simple become a little simplistic? There are outfits that beg a dash of trinket, when a little more becomes a necessary put-on to coax it to completion. I have friends and nieces who could give even the most versed fashion bloggers a run for their money with an intrinsic sense of fun and adventure. However, as I like to put it, those who can’t do, give or recommend.
It was with this sense of eagerness that I visited the newly opened kiosk of Kikay Accessories at Abreeza Mall. I met Timmie Chua there, one half of the husband and wife team that started the Kikay brand over twelve years ago. As the proud husband shares, it started when his wife Kathy So Chua would get inquiries and accolades for the accessories she wore to the headquarters of Mega magazine where she worked back then. A timely offer from an acquaintance who worked in Ayala Malls to try their specialty leasing program saw Kathy grabbing the opportunity to dive into the fashion accessories market head-on. With her background in fashion, Kathy decided that their brand would be built on the cornerstone of bringing in more select pieces that were sold affordably but on a limited basis only (maximum twelve pieces). She knew exactly who her customer was, and these did not include fashion-savvy women who liked seeing their purchases on the wrists or throats of others they encountered at social functions.
Kathy’s eye for what worked and their company practices soon translated into a steady expansion around the Metro Manila retail scene and the patronage of trendy women and stylists alike. It was Kikay that were the first purveyors of the chunky cocktail ring back in 2003 and drama-heavy shoulder grazing earrings back in 2002, on the wave of trends just as they are about to explode. The Chuas are extremely excited about their brand’s venture into Davao. Their kiosk in Abreeza is currently fitted with all the trimmings to match the razzle-dazzle of the recently concluded holiday season and then some. It is handy that one can actually walk through their little corner, as the layout invites you to step into a carpeted show area where your eyes can sweep through their merchandise inside out.
I tell Timmie that they have brought over a good deal of stocks ranging from jeweled headbands to sequined bags and one-of-a-kind bracelets and cuffs. Apparently some of their Metro Manila branches already carry apparel, since their regular customers there go as far as to ask their sales associates what dress they can wear to match their latest buys. I also glimpse a wide selection of sterling silver earrings and necklaces at 50% off, something that will prove great openers for price-conscious Davaoeños. Timmie shares that it has been their practice to discount aging pieces to make room for new items. Kikay shows that it is resolute about stepping in time to match the fast-moving beat of those into fashion accessories.
As my eyes scour their pieces, I can’t wait to share my new find with the girls in my life. Everything is priced and spiced up just right and it will be only a nanosecond before local trendsetters partake in the accessories bounty. Seasoned to catering to a clientele that teems with frenzy over their baubles, this is a brand set to show Davao their hand at why you can’t help but go Kikay.
Kikay Accessories is located at the Ground Floor of Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Check out their Facebook page by typing in “Kikay Accessories Company.”
