Fashion Asia's Margaret Zhang recently explored the colour and buzz surrounding some of Bangkok’s fashion hotspots, and discovered the reasons behind its spectacular rise to style stardom.
1. Food and fashion are becoming best friends
Margaret devours a meal before embracing some fashion, source: Australia Network
A number of Thai designers are tapping into shopping mall fatigue and setting up their boutique collections alongside restaurants or stimulating caffeinated brews.
Rising international fashion star Kem Issara said she wants to create a unique experience for those who stumble upon her brand.
“This used to be a café, but I kind of turned it around to become a café and fashion.
“I think I kind of like that because it gives you a bit of a change from shopping in a department store… with a café it helps me to make a lifestyle other than just shop and go.
“Bangkok is really booming right now… But I think the competition makes you stronger, it makes every brand more distinctive because you wouldn’t want to be like somebody else,” she says.
Rising international fashion star Kem Issara said she wants to create a unique experience for those who stumble upon her brand.
“This used to be a café, but I kind of turned it around to become a café and fashion.
“I think I kind of like that because it gives you a bit of a change from shopping in a department store… with a café it helps me to make a lifestyle other than just shop and go.
Margaret trying on some clothing at a fashion cafe, source: Australia Network
“Bangkok is really booming right now… But I think the competition makes you stronger, it makes every brand more distinctive because you wouldn’t want to be like somebody else,” she says.
2. What starts on the beach ends up on the catwalk
Boardshorts awaiting a savvy purchaser, source: Australia Network
As tourists flock to Thailand’s beaches, it’s only natural that the swimwear found resting on the country’s idyllic sands would start to catch on worldwide.
Designer and retailer Pow Foongfaungchaveng says it makes sense for Thailand to lead the world in beachside fashion.
“I always think that every country that has great beaches [has] great swimwear.”
Designer and retailer Pow Foongfaungchaveng says it makes sense for Thailand to lead the world in beachside fashion.
“I always think that every country that has great beaches [has] great swimwear.”
3. The ‘Made in Thailand’ tag is being re-invented
Margaret Zhang checking out some trendy boardshorts, source: Australia Network
Thailand’s new designers are keen to shake off the notion Thai fashion is cheap and plentiful, and replace it with the hallmark of global signature labels: quality over quantity.
Pow Foongfaungchaveng says customers expect the best from garments produced in Thailand.
“ ‘Made in Thailand’ will never have connotations the same way as ‘made in France’ or ‘made in Italy’.
“[But]we are not as mass as ‘made in China’ or ‘made in India’.
“We’re rebranding the country as ‘made in Thailand’ [to signify] good design,” he says.
Pow Foongfaungchaveng says customers expect the best from garments produced in Thailand.
“ ‘Made in Thailand’ will never have connotations the same way as ‘made in France’ or ‘made in Italy’.
“[But]we are not as mass as ‘made in China’ or ‘made in India’.
“We’re rebranding the country as ‘made in Thailand’ [to signify] good design,” he says.
4. Hip Thai accessories have become a key to jaw-dropping fashion
Margaret Zhang trying on some Thai sunnies, source: Australia Network
It’s not all about the dress or shirt you’re wearing. It’s as much about how you accessorise it, and Thailand doesn’t disappoint with a host of designers providing the perfect range of accessories to dress an outfit up or down.
And what should you be looking out for this season? New takes on frames and the humble handbag to update your look.
Inspired by visiting English teahouses, Moo Piyasombatkul started a sunglasses line with intricate artwork adorning the rim.
Jesse from Boyy Boutique co-runs a fashion café catering to those in the market unique bags.
“We wanted to do masculine bags… fortunately through all my music connections I actually had fashion connections,” he says.
And what should you be looking out for this season? New takes on frames and the humble handbag to update your look.
Inspired by visiting English teahouses, Moo Piyasombatkul started a sunglasses line with intricate artwork adorning the rim.
Boutique bags to go with those slick shades, source: Australia Network
Jesse from Boyy Boutique co-runs a fashion café catering to those in the market unique bags.
“We wanted to do masculine bags… fortunately through all my music connections I actually had fashion connections,” he says.
5. Thailand’s fashion knows its roots
Royal fashion exhibition in Bangkok, source: Australia Network
Central to Thailand’s culture is the rich history of the country’s royal family.
To promote local techniques, Queen Sirikit took a global tour wearing traditional Thai dress and then opened an exhibition showcasing traditional textiles.
Project Manager Piyavara Teekara says the display garnered interest across the globe.
“This month we invited the Vogue Magazine crew with the editor-in-chief and one of their designers.”
More on the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
To promote local techniques, Queen Sirikit took a global tour wearing traditional Thai dress and then opened an exhibition showcasing traditional textiles.
Project Manager Piyavara Teekara says the display garnered interest across the globe.
“This month we invited the Vogue Magazine crew with the editor-in-chief and one of their designers.”
More on the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
6. Markets are providing fabulous fashion finds
Margaret explores one of the many markets in Bangkok, source: Australia Network
Bangkok markets are a hotbed for those looking for a fashion score to boast about.
Margaret took an afternoon to discover the Chatuchak Sunday Market with fashion guru Chalisa Viravan.
“Sometimes you can find something that is so current, that you’ve just seen on the runway and then it’s just right here,” Viravan says.
Margaret took an afternoon to discover the Chatuchak Sunday Market with fashion guru Chalisa Viravan.
“Sometimes you can find something that is so current, that you’ve just seen on the runway and then it’s just right here,” Viravan says.
And for more cutting edge fashion and style, head across to the Australia Network’s
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