Red is the new black

SEPTEMBER is traditionally the month when the fashion world looks forward to what we will be wearing in the coming months as evidenced by the opening today of New York Fashion Week with London, Milan and Paris following in quick succession. 
Bangkok is too affirming its position as a world-class fashion centre with Siam Paragon last week organising “Siam Paragon World Fashion Trend A/W17-18” to update Thai fashionistas on what clothes, bags, shoes and accessories to wear and mix and match for the new season.
The event featured a variety of activities along with mini fashion shows presenting the latest collections of luxury global brands. 
Leading fashion guru Apiwat Yodpraphan, weighed in with his thoughts, saying: “Craft is a huge thing, mixing the cultures of different countries together. It’s fun unlocking the original rules and daring to try new things. For example, you might wear African clothing made of fabrics used for the kimono. It’s a mix-and-match of cultures and nationalities as well as subcultures such as street, pop, grunge and hip-hop. Wearing the same style from head to toe is outmoded. Try mixing things up, like wearing a dress with sneakers and switching from a normal bag to a backpack.” 

Apiwat notes that red is the colour of the season, as it reflects heat and passion this winter and comes in different shades, from burgundy to maroon. The fashion guru suggests wearing a dress the colour of red wine and matching it with bright red shoes and a burgundy bag or playing with a monochromatic colour scheme. The key is to have a total look in red rather than matching red with black. Key items this season include leggings, especially those made of stretchy Spandex, and a blazer with a twist. Women can wear a man’s blazer and men can wear a blazer with a shawl collar that looks slightly feminine. “No Gender” is the hottest global trend at the moment, as promoted by several luxury brands, and men and women can wear the clothes of the opposite sex.
Make-up artist Vinij Boonchaisri also encourages risk taking, adding that the look this season will follow the trends in dressing. He suggests replacing matte lipstick with a metallic shade, using a lipstick with glitter or simply choosing a new colour. 
“But before jumping on the trend bandwagon, do make sure you know what suits you,” he cautions. The hottest lipstick colour in this season, he adds, is Fuchsia Pink. 
One of the muses for this event, Apinara Srikarnchana, says she doesn’t always keep up with fashion trends. What she prefers is “emotional style”, meaning wearing what she feels like each day. Her wardrobe is full of clothes that range from sexy to sweet to cool, with the classy look being the one she feels most comfortable with. A sleeveless blouse worn with a blazer and a pair of trousers is an outfit she favours. She’s also well aware of seasonal colours, opting for orange and yellow for summer and pastel for autumn and winter.

For his part, young executive Tanos Leesavan says he likes to dress for the occasion. “I’m quite laid back in the way I dress but if |I am going to an important event, I prefer for a smart look, opting mostly for earth tones because the colour scheme highlights |my personality. I’m not a serious person. On a relaxing day, I prefer a sporty look because I work |out and play sports all the time. And I like to wear sunglasses |and hats, which add something playful to the clothes.”
In addition to the mini-fashion shows, the event featured a photographic session by celebrity lensman Kanachai Bencharongkul, entertainment led by Nott The Star, a hairstyling makeover with Hive Salon X L’Oreal Professional Hair Bar, a make-up booth set up by Nars and drinks served by Heineken. 
Independent activities will be organised by fashion brands at the shopping centre throughout this month.