Just like its name (The Burrow) suggests, this boutique is appropriately hidden and a tad difficult to find. The only mark of its presence is a small nondescript sign on the ground floor that simply declares ‘MNEP’. You’ll have to trudge right up to the top floor, past a solicitor’s office, and push through a glass door that opens straight up to a bare black wall.

However, once you walk inside, it’s a different story. MNEP stands for Manual Epoch and as owner Maggie Pang explains it, ‘It reflects our clients. They are not confined [but instead] drive their own trends and times’. This boutique is definitely trendsetting. The walls are painted black, yes, but instead of being drearily emo, it actually plays into the ambience quite well.

The atmosphere spells urban underground rebel; from the large black and white poster of an artistic nude woman hanging on the wall to the sounds of soft rock and electro playing from the DJ console in the middle. ‘I wanted to do more than just sell clothes. I want to make this a lifestyle destination,’ Pang enthuses. Black couches and low tables are set up for patrons to lounge on and sip a soft drink or beer from the small bar. Appointments can also be made for a bona-fide tattoo artist to ink you up. And all you boys take heart; there is even an Xbox to play with, complete with large projector screen. We hear the owner is planning to bring in a Wii soon.

Unlike many other stores, MNEP: The Burrow actually has a bigger selection for you manly men than for the ladies. ‘There are already so many outlets catering to women but so few for the guys. We wanted to do something about that,’ says Pang. Priced between RM200-300, most of the men’s merchandise is from the New York brand, ‘Supreme’, imported directly from the United States. The rest is either from Hong Kong or by local design/DJ collective, Lap Sap. Besides the normal casual wear, the stuff on sale includes bags, shoes, caps and other accessories.