Art for the iPhone

The cases that Pastel sells for iPhones bear distinctive illustrations by well-known Thai artists and “every case tells a story” – you can read about the artwork inside the case. And they’re cheerful stories, too. Optimism, happiness and friendship form a common theme in the designs.

After two successful years selling online, Pastel now has an actual shop on Siam Square Soi 2. Founder-designer Ravi Itiravivong offers the same heady range of gadgets and accessories – covers for iPads and smart phones, MacBook sleeves, wallets, tote bags, pillows and scarves.

In pale shades to match to its name, the Pastel shop is compact but bursting with creativity. On one wall is original art by Wisut Ponnimit, Somnuek Klangnok and Kongpat Sakdapitak, whose work adorns various goods.

“We’ve collaborated with these three artists since the beginning,” says Buntavit Taveebhol, the brand’s public-relations officer. “Their work is unique and attractive and everyone who would like to own some can now have it in a small scale, as a smart-phone case.”

Wisut’s adorable cartoon character Nong Mamuang, aka Mango Girl, will appeal to lovers of Japanese graphics with simple, clean lines and cheerful design. Mamuang appears on T-shirts, tote bags, scarves, socks and even on stickers for the Line application. You can get a phone case depicting the profound relationship between Mamuang, her dog Manao and her cat Dora. 

Wisut’s latest character, Blanco, which he created for Japanese manga Ikki, is also on the gadgets and bags. As explained inside the cases, Blanco always looks you in the eye when speaking to you to ensure that you get her full attention and support. To her, the eyes are the windows to your soul. 

“We believe you deserve to gain something from our stories,” says Buntavit. “These stories remind you every day how to live better, how to think better and how to be happier.”

Somnuek grabs attention with his animal characters – the sincere fox Alex and his ambitious girlfriend Laura, and fashionable bunny Karl, who turns doubts into fuel that pushes him to success as the editor of a popular magazine. 

Kongpat has painted pastel-coloured confectioneries including ice cream, cupcakes and macaroons. He loves how such tiny treats can put a smile on people’s faces. It’s the little things and tiny, precious moments that make life wonderful, he says. 

Pastel’s iPhone case is made from thin yet durable TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that’s elastic, transparent and resistant to oil and grease. Cases are being made for the Samsung S4 and Note2 and should be on shelves in September.

Pastel has also recruited celebrities to design cases. Actress Chermarn “Ploy” Boonyasak came up with a cotton-candy graphic and singer-turned-makeup stylist Napatsorn “Momay” Buranasiri drew a cute face. 

Beyond the Pastel gear, the shop stocks other products to cheer up your life. There are T-shirts by Leisure Project, stylish notebooks by Mola, animal bookmarks of P’Liv, natural soaps by Soap Box and circular paper boxes from MeReRa.

  

 

JUST IN CASE

<< Pastel is on Siam Square Soi 2 and open daily from 12.30 to 8.30pm. 

<< Call (02) 658 0486 or visit www.PastelDesignStudio.com.