2018 update: Unfortunately Trunkh has closed in Phnom Penh, but you can find them in Kandal Village in Siem Reap!
I’ve been meaning to post a review of Trunkh for months now — the store, which opened late last year is billed by its owners as a concept shop, and its mixture of quirky Khmer and Khmer-inspired homewares, clothing and other goodies has quickly made the place the coolest store in Phnom Penh.
Trunkh, located on Sothearos, faces Vann Molyvann’s White Building.
The owners, Doug and Marianne are longtime Asia expats. Marianne is a graphic designer and her work is found around the shop, in the form of screen-printed shirts, totes, tea towels and more. The store features a mix of old and new, but it’s all quirky and it’s all inspired by the beauty of Cambodia.
Filled with the eclectic, the quirky and the cool.
There are hand-painted Khmer signs, tributes to Vann Molyvann, funky homewares, handmade jewelry and a line of boxer shorts, shirts, skirts and pajama bottoms made from brightly-colored locally sourced fabrics. The collection featured at Trunkh (a trunkful of treasures with an extra silent h–KH is Cambodia, get it?) is quirky and eclectic and dare I say, hip. The store feels just the perfect amount of cluttered, like you’re rooting through a garage sale that features some of the coolest items you’ll find in Cambodia.
Some of Marianne’s screenprinted totes (others feature Our Boy brand condensed milk).
Trunkh will appeal to the new wave of Cambodia expats, the types that care about fashion and design and aren’t afraid to throw down a little bit of cash to pick up a knickknack or three. The store features items that would make perfect gifts but you’ll want to buy for yourself instead: tea towels in the style of a hand-painted Khmer sign that say ‘Beware of cruel dogs,’ brightly-colored passport covers and badges made from the paper of a child’s discarded notebook (these are all things I purchased on my visit there).
Trunkh has moved locations! The new address is below:
Trunkh.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
180 Street 13, near National Museum, Phnom Penh
T: 012 812 476
trunkh.com