Visions on the Catwalk

The hippest fashion banquet of the year was held last month at Siam Center, as the country’s finest designers, among them Fri27 Nov, AB-Normal, Painkiller Archetype and Wonder Anatomie, staged eight runway shows over two days as part of the “Siam Center Fashion Visionary” showcase.
Among the celebrities attending the weekend’s showings were Araya A Hargate, Nagara Sambandaraksa, Amat Nimitpark, Kanachai Bencharongkul, Chanokwanan Rakcheep, Chollada Mekratree, ML Rojanatorn Na Songkhla, Maruwut Buranasilpin, Disaya Sorakraikitikul and Kongpat Sakdapitak.
Fri 27 Nov delighting by Canon’s Chanachai Jareeyathana opened the event with a selection of designs crafted on the concept “Summer Time Sadness”. The collection, he explained, was based on the idea that most people travel to the beach either because they are happy or sad and thus the brand opted to play with the idea of sadness and loneliness in summer. Materials included cotton, silk and organza used with cut-out, embroidery and print techniques on simple silhouettes in a palette of white, beige and navy. Vibrant summer shades were glimpsed occasionally and the brand’s signature crafts was apparent. The show also offered a delightful range of necklaces, glasses and headpieces made of lace.
Another highlight was the first collective show by The Selected and The Wonder Room, Bangkok’s latest multi-brand store and concept store. Their first showcase, dubbed “Synthesis by The Selected x The Wonder Room”, revolved around colour. With the graphic neon light giving the show a contemporary touch, the collection epitomised summer at its best with lively creations in vibrant hues that came together perfectly through mix-and-match magic.
AB-Normal, recognised as the street wear brand for those who love edgy simplicity, was inspired by sculpture. Naming his collection “Wear White”, designer Thaweesak Samanmit interpreted the solid, strong structure of sculpture with a tender perspective. Using techniques that involved lines and polka dots, achieved through tucking and studs, the collection was presented in an organic palette of soil, stone, cement and sand, with white serving as a staple alongside beige, grey, and black. The silhouettes remained simple, albeit with smart details.
Designer Siriorn Teankaprasith of “Painkiller Archetype” premiered his summer collection “King of The Jungle” inspired by Rudyard Kipling's “The Jungle Book”. Reimagining the life of Mawgli as he returns to protect his jungle after living in the chaotic human society, the designer threw together various floral to animal prints, using metallic shades alongside a palette of green and brown on various textures of fabrics.
Along with established houses and up-and-comers, Siam Center also opened its stage to young and aspiring designers to showcase their creations in “Singha presents Fash by Srinakharinwirot University”. In addition to outfits by the youngsters, the slot also featured jewellery and accessories. The clothing collection was based on the theme “Fash Heritage”, with designers reinterpreting Thai ancient wisdom as wearable fashions.
The accessories were inspired by the cultures of Asean member countries, and the end result was a range of highly unique pieces that screamed diversity.
The Siam Center Fashion Visionary showcase closed with a show by fashion rookie, Chalermkiat Khatikasemlert, who has wowed Bangkok’s fashionistas with his “Wonder Anatomie” label. The collection, titled “Wonder Day in The Museum”, built upon his experiences of visiting museums and combined them with the brand’s signature human anatomy components. Techniques included prints and the use of embroidery to create a 3D illusion on a 2D object. Sticking to the palette inspired by Mother Nature, the outfits were true eye-candy, especially in the signature use of three-dimensional embroidery with meticulous attention to details and techniques.