
Thais kids – at least those born with a silver spoon in their mouths – are catching up with Hollywood celebrity tykes like Tom Cruise’s daughter Suri and the Beckham boys.
Central Chidlom’s refurbished Luxury Kids zone stocks high-end fashion brands Gucci Baby and Children, Burberry Childrenwear and Armani Kids.
Gucci dresses infants up to 24 months and youngsters two to eight in autumn-winter togs that would look right at home in the English (or Scottish) countryside. How about a tartan Mackintosh raincoat or double-breasted jacket?
Gucci babies wear pink and blue, of course, but also soft grey, beige, orange and green. The clothing is soft and stretchy, of course, and that goes for the cashmere and merino knits too, complete with goose-down bunting.
There are coloured socks and tights, rompers, hats and bibs in lovely pastel shades, with both the brand’s logo and a teddy bear stitched on as marks of distinction.
The children’s collection goes dark green and orange in addition to Gucci’s usual colours. The kids will be pursuing the hounds in riding boots, jackets and duffel coats.
Knitwear alternates between a sportier, casual style and classic British chic – like the “little gentleman” look. There’s a wide selection of accessories: trolley bags, school packs, handbags and headbands for girls, and hats, gloves and scarves in wool or cashmere, plus ties, for the lads.
Or perhaps your mini-me needs a tuxedo with bow tie, cummerbund and patent leather shoes, or an elegant velvet dress and studded silk satin purse.
Britain’s own Burberry borrows from its ready-to-wear collections for a child’s trench coat and other gear. Everything is produced in-house to ensure high standards and consistency, and “tested in laboratories” to meet safety requirements – no chance of choking, allergic reaction or getting stuck with a pin.
With 50 square metres, Burberry Childrenswear in the Luxury Kids zone is expected to earn B15 million within six months, selling outfits in bright and warm hues like dark pomegranate, pumpkin, saffron mallard, electronic blue, juniper and vermilion.
You can find corduroy and wool, lots of denim, patent leather, cashmere, wool crepe cotton and ottoman felt, and detachable collars and hoods, zip-off sleeves, cuff straps and even military detailing.
Would your child wear a cape? Tell him Batman does. What about a duffel coat or pea coat?
Paul Smith Junior, another UK brand, doesn’t go for luxury clothes, but its boutique at Siam Paragon has a charming collection for boys and girls up to 12 years.
These are catwalk-inspired shapes and styles cleverly redesigned for children, with bold prints and bright block colours on quirky T-shirts sitting alongside knitwear and some beautifully tailored outerwear.
Palette and texture are the keys. Deep, rich tones and iconic stripes adorn heritage items. The boys’ neat wool blazers are teamed with needle-cord trousers and fair-isle knits. Chalk-stripe jackets can be worn over bold multiple-stripe shirts and printed jumpers.
Girls will enjoy the dark velvet that contrasts with pastel tulle floral prints. Delicate dresses pair with long striped socks and tailored jackets, while pretty prints on cotton skirts and blouses are mixed with dark denims and knits.