THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

He's got your number

He's got your number

French fashion magazine Numero finds its niche with a brand new Thai edition

While the print editions of newspapers across the world continue to feel the economic pinch, glossy magazines seem to be attracting ever more buyers, particularly here in Thailand, which has seen the launch of three new fashion magazines from France in less than a year. Early this year, L’ Officiel made it debut with a double bill of L’Officiel for the ladies and Homme for men, while last Thursday, it was the turn of Numero (Thailand) to take a bow. February will see the arrival of the local edition of Vogue. Numero, which is published by Fond Publishing International, was officially launched by its editor in chief Amornsiri Boonyasit at a party on the theme “Gallery in Palace” at Phyathai Palace.
The palace was transformed into an art gallery for the occasion, with guests able to admire a showcase of fashion photographs published in the debut issue, among them the shot of cover girl MR Srikhumroong Yukol Rattakul wearing a Prada top covered with fur.
Selected from the “Mode” fashion spread, the photos were divided into six sets. “Wonderland” was shot by Thananon Thanakornkaren; “Into the Wild” was captured by Sebastian Kim; “Hallucination” was also by Thananon; “Episodes” was shot by Jeff Burton; “Strangers in the Night” was captured by Wing Shya while “Jingle” was taken by Chutarut Pornmuneesoonthorn. Surasak Ittirit shot the various jewellery collections.
Child-like paintings by young artist Pure Lokutaraphon were also on display.
The highlight of the party was a mini fashion show with structured outfits in red, white and black paraded by contestants of Thai Supermodel 2012.
More than 150 guests joined the party, among them Nathalie Ayache, group CEO of Ayache, which owns Numero, Vladimir Pamouktchinsky, chairman and editor-in-chief of Numero (Russia) and Joseph Carle, editor-in-chief of Numero (China). Thai celebrities included Sirichai Daharanont, ML Chiratorn Chirapravati, Barom Bhicharnchitr and MR Srikhumroong.
Amornsiri points out that Numero is not just about fashion and beauty, but also covers architecture, art, design and music from around the world.
 The Thai version will offer 60 per cent of its content from local sources and the remainder from France.
The first issue is devoted to the kingdom’s five most important fashion gurus.
Featured in “The Roots of Thai Designers” article are Somchai Kaewthong of Kai Boutique, Sirichai Daharanont of Theatre, Menart “Kob” Nanthakwang of Soda, Nagara Sambandaraksa of Nagara and Bhanu Inkawat of Greyhound.
Feature sections include an exclusive interview with the lady behind King Power, Voramas Raksriaksorn. Krissada Sukoslol Clapp aka Noi of Pru talks about his six-year absence from the music scene that has been devoted to designing the family’s new Siam Hotel and says he is now gearing up for a new solo album.
Young businessman Barom Bhicharnchitr talks about the Central Embassy – a combined retail project and 220-room-hotel under the Park Hyatt – which is scheduled to open in 2014 on the site of the former British Embassy on Ploenchit Road.
The magazine also interviews young engineer Nattapong Srisukho of Westcon Company, the firm behind the Srisavarintira Building at Siriraj Hospital and Aston Morph 38 and reviews the art show “Speechless” by Nipan Oranniwesna.
The interviews with Noi, Barom, Voramas and Nipan are also translated into English at the back of the magazine, while the rest of the content and the fashion spreads are in Thai.
“I believe that Numero (Thailand) will be a new option for Thai fashionistas who are open to new and modern items,” says the editor-in-chief.

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