A tuk-tuk on the arm

SANDRA CHOI, creative director of world- renowned luxury shoe, Jimmy Choo, thinks of Bangkok as a vibrant urban village,
“The skyscrapers, the markets, weaving through the hustle and bustle in the back of a tuk-tuk … it’s such a sensory experience,” she says.
 “Like the London Taxi, the tuk-tuk is an icon of the city. It has a unique warmth and eccentric charm all of its own and is the best way to see the city at street level,” she adds.
And the tuk-tuk is now making its appearance on a bag and not just any bag. To celebrate the opening of its new Bangkok store at EmQuartier, Jimmy Choo has launched a limited edition of the iconic Candy bag featuring a painted interpretation of Thailand’s signature mode of transport in a colour palette that echoes the traditional Thai Bencharong.
The signature party-ready acrylic clutch is guaranteed to make a strong style statement with its original and whimsical design whilst the chic size neatly fits night-out essentials and can be used with a chain strap or carried in the hand.
The tuk-tuk bag is the seventh limited edition Candy in a series created to celebrate store openings in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas, London and Toronto.
The Bangkok concept store was created by Choi in collaboration with David Collins Studio and boasts a sophisticated and elegant design that relies on the careful choice of materials rather than ornaments. Soft hues and subtle textures layered with shimmering surfaces reflect the dynamism and creativity of the Jimmy Choo product.
“I wanted our new space to be a luxurious environment that would combine the refined detail of a haute couture salon with the intimacy of a fantasy closet,” Choi explains.
Satin gold, rose gold pink marble and mink velvets blend with the oyster stone and mother of pearl chevron floor. Woven mesh in metallic tones and spherical glass pendants give the space a certain allure.
For its part, the Pre-Fall 2015 collection embraces the notion of trompe-l’oeil with designs that deceive the eye through dimensional colour blocking. Choi was inspired by American artist James Turrell’s work, which plays with light and space to create images that aren’t what they seem at first glance, thus eluding the eye and challenging perceptions.
Metallic stud embellishments create prismatic effects on the Lamba sandal for a minimalist rock chic edge. Heels explore fresh horizons in terms of height with lower proportions presented across many styles including the ankle strap sandal, Delpha. Shots of neon pink pop from shoes and bags with eye-catching effects that add dimensional depth. Layers of colour create movement and interest in the Trapeze sandal where leather ripples to reveal undertones of contrasting colours. Mesmerising 3D effects are created with a black-and-white optical shape print on heels and flats and showcased on the Geno slingback and Abel pump. Cork-heeled platforms and layered shades of wood-cutaway wedge heels offer unique silhouettes and patterns in a natural palette of earthy tones, natural snake and off white.
The Jimmy Choo man, meanwhile, takes a holiday to the French Riviera. He keeps his authentic British style but integrates a relaxed and summery atmosphere. The usual core formal styles are revamped in a casual way through exclusive ethnic jacquard and checkered print. Perfectly embodying the outdoor feel, the new sandal Wally supplements the Vlad espadrille and soft Tristan moccasin. The colours are playful and sunny with rich marine and merlot contrasting with pops of apricot, lemon yellow, pepper and neon mint. The trainer collection is urban and elevated with tailoring material, such as the fabric patchwork and rich materials with Saffiano leather and origami-embossed suede.