Vivienne goes Zen

Zen’s rise from the ashes of the great mall arson of 2010 continues with the opening of Thailand’s first store dedicated to the quirky clothing of Vivienne Westwood.
The London-based high-end fashion house has stocked the Bangkok shop with its four spring-summer lines, and four celebrity “models” turned out last week to show them off.
Onchuma “Fae” Durongdej was there to parade around in “Vivienne Westwood Anglomania”. The outfits are bold and innovative, with plenty of draped fabric in chequered, striped and floral patterns. It’s powerful, cutting edge, fun and classic all at the same time.
    Fae pointed out that the look is street chic and ideal for everyday. “I love her accessories too, like this Valentine pendant – red lips that are appearing on sporty clothes for the London Olympics this summer.”
Former professional model Ornnapa Krisadee said she’s always admired Westwood, even in her punk heyday, when she made clothes for the Sex Pistols. “Today I’m wearing her famous corset dress, which I bought 20 years ago,” Ornnapa said, calling it rock style yet very feminine.
    Vivienne Westwood Red Label, with its depictions of nature’s beauty, was created to raise money for the Cool Earth group, which aims to secure the world’s most vulnerable rainforests against devastation by 2020. Westwood often uses her fashion shows to advocate on behalf of social justice and the environment.
    Replete with printed gold medals, Vivienne Westwood Man comes on the eve of the Olympic Games and takes its cues from sporting heroes and the “gentleman sportsman”. The tailoring suits it to formal occasions as well.
The Vivienne Westwood Anglomania X Lee Collection is a collaboration with Lee jeans, celebrating the 1970s and ’80s with summer fun.
    Zen’s Allan Namchaisiri said the mall’s luxury zone would soon have 15 more shops selling premium fashion brands. “This is for people who are looking for something unique,” he said. “Your outfit always has to have that special touch, so that when people wear it, they say, ‘Wow, this is a special design!”