A WORLD APART
  • About Us
  • Batik Dresses
  • The Fit/Ordering
  • Rattan Purses
  • Batik Scarves
  • Beaded Bracelets
  • James Island location

about us - a world apart

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​SEARCHING FOR ONE OF A KIND,
ONE AT A TIME


OUR STORY
​We've been in City Market at the corner of South Market and East Bay in Charleston, SC for 38 years.  In the market, we work hard to not only provide a quality dress line, but also offer many options of very modestly priced matching accessories to give you a complete look. Over the years we've gained a reputation for offering first quality unique dresses at very reasonable prices.

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We also have have a full retail store and warehouse at 2008 Wappoo Drive on James Island for 18 years. We carry not only our dress line and other women's accessories, but furniture and home accessories that we import from Bali and other islands of Indonesia.





It all began in 1989, when Philip wanted to surf bigger waves than he could find at Folly Beach, and he set his eyes on Bali's famed Uluwatu.  Kim heard that Bali would be a great place to find high quality batik dresses, and so a second honeymoon was combined with a business trip, and A World Apart was born.

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Philip surfing in Uluwatu
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Kim working on a dress order
 Over the years, Philip and Kim have been blessed to be involved first-hand in the Balinese culture, and to make many close friends who have become like family to them.  Bali is a Hindu island, and it is common to find rows of temples that are practicing ceremonies and blessings.  The island is full of good energy, and this extends to the items that they make by hand.  If you are fortunate enough to become the owner of one that has been passed down from generation to generation, you will feel the good energy emanating from it. We have people that shop in the store remark on that all the time. 

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Philip and Made. Made is one of our original friends. He has taught us much about Balinese culture, and continues to be our teacher.
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Philip and Drayton in the Monkey forest.
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Kim and Philip immerse themselves in the culture
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Kim at her tailor's brother's wedding ceremony in Bandung, Java
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Philip at his agent's father's cremation ceremony
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