A FLAIR FOR FASHION

Seems that Thai fashionistas just love to queue. Not only did the A-listers pack out the grand opening of H&M flagship store at Siam Paragon last Thursday – an event that was by exclusive invitation only – but the crowds wound round the block for Saturday’s opening to the general public.
The famous brand from Sweden occupies the largest space at Siam Paragon with a gleaming two-storey, 3,200-square-metre store featuring the entire H&M range.
The debut collection features the latest autumn- winter 2012 lines, with key looks for women showcasing sleek and sculptural silhouettes matched with bold shapes and confident decoration while men can expect sharp-suited ’60s silhouettes with layering, texture and colours bringing tailoring traditions right into the 21st century.
 Among the celebrities attending the grand opening were Amata Chittasenee, Juthawan Krairirk, Nattaporn Donavanik, Nattapree Pichaironnarongsongkram, Unchisa Vacharapol, Sasipreeya Chirathiwat, Pitchana Sa-nguansat, Chutimon Skulthai, Mitrapak Pajchimsawat, Siraprapa Chirabandhu, Prinya and Ploernchan Ruenprapan, MR Chantaraladda Yukol and Pattamavadee Senanarong.
The stars were out in force too, with Pachrapa Chaichua, Chermarn Boonyasak, Janie Tienphosuwan, Ratchawin
 Wongviriya, Peechaya Wattanamontree, Ananda Everingham, Nawat Kulrattanarak, Arak Amornsupasiri Atichart Chumnanon and Peter Corp Dyrendal among those putting in an appearance.
Thippanun Srifuangfung says she loves H&M because of its affordable prices and the way the outfits can be mixed and matched, while Kanyarat Paladisai points that fashion changes so fast that H&M’s wide range of products and designs is ideally suited to today’s trendsetters. She especially likes the way that it collaborates with top designers and is looking forward to the special ADR collection, which is being launched at H&M’s branches worldwide today.
 Catarina Midby, head of fashion and sustainability communication and trend coordinator, says the inspiration for the autumn-winter 2012 collection is minimalism versus maximalism. “With classic design and structured outfits, making a fashion statement is all about bold and eye-catching accessories and no more so than through the creations of Anna Dello Russau,” she notes.
The ADR collection by Anna Dello Russau, promises to turn everyday into a fashion week day. “Accessories are vital,” says the Italian fashion icon.
“Not only do they allow you to play with fashion however you like, marking your outfits with a personal touch, they are also an essential tool to give new life to what you already have in your wardrobe. Wear a necklace, a bracelet and earrings, hold a clutch and top it all off with a hat and everything becomes new. Accessories are like vitamins to fashion: you should use them liberally.”
Glistening in gold and vibrant hues of turquoise and orange, this sensational range expresses ADR’s love for ornament, her taste for excess and amusement.
Its starting point is a suitcase: a turquoise trolley with gilt motifs. But jewellery is the main focus.
Exuberantly Mediterranean in both shapes and colour and slightly surreal thanks to the snakes and crocodiles that coil around neck and wrists, it features gilded chains swarming with pendants, stone earrings with an antique feel and decorative wristbands with the preciousness of real jewels. The same ornamental opulence carries on in the classy clutches; Cucciolina, the designer’s dog, makes a cameo appearance in the closure of the turquoise one.
For the needs of any aspiring front-row fashionista, there are theatrical sunglasses, all gilt frames, chains and animal appliques, and shoes sporting a trademark stiletto heel, from sandals to tight-high dominatrix boots. A show-stopping feather hat completes the collection.