Summerin the city

SUMMER HAS arrived in Bangkok and with temperatures well into the mid-30s Celsius, what girl wouldn’t be delighted to slip on an outfit designed for the heat by one of leading local brands? Shown at a variety of venues all over town in recent days, the collections boast floral inspirations, candy colours and positive attitudes.

SRETSIS
For the last 14 years, Sretsis, founded by sisters Kly, Pim and Matina Sukhahuta, has been turning fantasy into reality for women here and elsewhere in the world. A regular at the Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Fashion Week, the brand recently showcased its “Happiness Is…” collection in Bangkok.
Pimdao, creative director and founder, was inspired by her trip to Bhutan, a country where wealth is not measured by money but the level of happiness of the people and features touches of Bhutanese folkloric art in her classic cotton voile blouses with embroidered flowers. Tora the tiger, the brand’s mascot is emblazoned on a light jacket and dresses in printed silk chiffon boast petal appliques.
In designing her jewellery collection, Matina was also influenced by the natural shape of flowers, offering a new ear cuff adorned with crystals, stones and pearl that looks like a flower worn behind the ear and rings worn as if the real flower stems were wrapped around the fingers.

WEE
Supawadee Sirirattanapol, founder and designer of the brand, goes wild for hydrangeas in her summer collection, aptly named “Enchanting Hydrangea”. It features a selection of comfortable clothes to mix and match in pastel pink, blue, mauve and white. The style blends designs from the late ’60s with classic skirts and ’70’s trousers. The detail on the fabric and the use of thin chiffon add dimension to the clothes while crystal, lace and big ribbons give them a luxurious look.

CANITT
Inspired by the paintings of the so-called Botanicals Artists, Canitt’s collection by creative director Khanidtha Daroonnat, is called “Shades of Meaning” and underlines the attraction between women and blooms. Her Lady Luxe print is accentuated with curves to enhance the female form while floral embroidery and flowers add to the summery look.
Layering is evident in her jumpsuit and printed blouse and she effortlessly blends such fabrics as organdie, satin and lace. Party girls are guaranteed to wow in classic black and white enhanced by flower prints. Sunrise orange and pine green make for interesting additions to the pastel theme.

LA BOUTIQUE
The graceful walk of the former first lady, Jackie Kennedy inspired Patcharawat Trakalsantikul, La Boutique’s creative director, in designing his new collection, which he has named “The First Lady”.
Full of praise for Kennedy’s sophistication, intelligence and positive attitude in life, he brings back to life her elegant style in dressing both for formal occasion and leisure activities.
The prominent silhouette from the ’60s has been redesigned as a modern style and retains the brand’s ostrich feather signature. The trousers are well cut to enhance the flexibility of the modern women and a strapless jumpsuit reveals just enough skin for a truly sexy look. Lace and chiffon silk dominate daywear in romantic tones of soft pink, aqua-green, and warm tan. Midnight blue and the classic black and white heat up the night and reflect the definition of luxury.
VATANIKA
Welcoming the summer with sleek and sophisticated apparel, Vatanika can be relied upon to make fashionistas look cool even in the hottest weather. Designer Vatanika Patamasingh presents a new collection that conjures up the urban Californian lady, who is self-confident, decisive and a leader in everything she does, She travels the world in style and “street glamour” is her spontaneous ideal.
Quality materials such as signature Guipure lace, velvet and silks are incorporated in designs that redefine the silhouette and enhanced with mesh stripes, oversized metallic sequins, embellished ribbons, beads, and ostrich feathers. Floral prints are adapted to make the most of bright summery colours with white, gold, beige, and black serving to highlight the bolder hues. Pale pink and olive green lighten up the collection.

ANCHAVIKA
Anchavika takes its cue from the Lionesses, the first woman military group in American history to be sent into ground battle in Iraq, for its new “Strong Girl” collection. Designer and founder Anchalee Vikasidnakhakun gives the soldiery green tone and camouflage a feminine style with intricate colourful embroidery. Her jumpsuits come in dark velvet and her oversized jackets boast a decorated zip inspired by the military uniform.