Your feet say Saramanda
BSN Footwear, importer of Saramanda-brand premium leather footwear from Australia, recently unveiled the latest “Vintage Collection” in Bangkok.
Managing director Kotchakorn Kiatsommat explained that the collection took its inspiration from the colourful houses in the Italian coastal town of Cinque Terre.
Leather expert Dabiel Barbic of Kenda International demonstrated the advanced painting technique used on the leather footwear and offered advice on selecting tones in the vintage style.
Attending Barbic’s workshop were Jakares, Arisa and Janisa Mahakijsiri, Jarospan Svastiwat Na Ayutthaya, Suvara Sanidhwong Na Ayutthaya, Raswadee and Raveeporn Kuansongthum, Yolvaree Satayanawin, Nantisa Tunyongvech, Saranratch Sutthinak, Praw Vatcharapai, Prathana Jenjindawong, Pimfah Nanthavisit, Thanik Puvanattrai and Thanakorn Santisuk.
There were celebrities on hand too, such as Ratha Pongam, Premnutch Suwannanont and Cheuchartnatee and Thanyatanas Wongswaspapha.
The Saramanda brand uses top-grade cow and sheep leather and modern production techniques to ensure the utmost comfort to the touch and in the weight.
“The uniqueness in this collection is the painting technique, using a single paintbrush on each shoe in the pair at once,” Kotchakorn said.
“The team of craftsmen need to match the palette to our inspiration and the result is that every pair has its own distinctive identity.
“For this collection we selected only cow leather because of its durability, matt effect and smoothness. It’s easier to paint in retro colours.”
A “retro” hues include brown, purple, green and basic black.
Praw Vatcharapai, who loves the vintage style, said it’s never really out of fashion.
“I’ve noticed that floral prints are becoming popular again, so vintage is never out of trend,” she said. “We can adapt our styling every season. For leather shoes I go for monotones like brown, black and white, because they’re timeless and can be paired with almost any colour of socks.”
Saranpak Penchart defined vintage as “classic nostalgia for the old styles” and time much calmer than the pace of life today.
“If we add classic sensibilities to our styling, it doesn’t look boring, and the natural colour tones match every fashion period. I always choose comfortable shoes based on daily use, and the soft touch of leather is ideal.”
Jarospan Svastiwat Na Ayutthaya finds vintage style “charming without revealing too much of the body”
“It fits well, so it enhances the elegance of the female body. Think of flare skirts and dresses that can match comfortable flat shoes.”
Saramanda shoes are sold at Central Lat Phrao, Central Festival Eastville, Zen at Central World, Siam Paragon, the Emporium, Siam Discovery, Seacon Srinakharin and Habito on Sukhumvit Soi 77.
