THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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The well-cut edge in Thai fashion

The well-cut edge in Thai fashion

With Asean competition looming, the 11 brands comprising the Bangkok Fashion Society demonstrate their readiness to compete

THE BANGKOK FASHION Society (BFS), determined to keep Thailand ahead of the competition in Southeast Asia and to cement the capital’s reputation as the region’s fashion hub, has produced a short film touting all that its 11 member-brands have to offer.
“The Ultimate Thai Designer Showcase” was screened recently at the EmQuartier mall’s Quartier CineArt theatre. It delves into the characteristics and inspirations of each participating label – Asava, Vickteerut, Greyhound Original, Milin, Issue, Kloset, Painkiller, Playhound by Greyhound, Curated by Ekthongprasert, Tutti and Tutti Frutti, and Senada.
BFS president Polpat Asavaprapha said Thai designers face a genuine challenge from neighbouring countries and need their countrymen to support them by attaching due value to indigenous creativity and craftsmanship as their wares are shown beyond our borders.
The BFS has had positive feedback from the media and the public and support from the government, Polpat said. “Our collaboration is a significant step in growing strong together so we can be the voice of the Thai fashion industry and move ahead further. We strongly believe that Thai brands have all it takes to succeed in the international market.”
Afterwards there was a fashion mini-show that accentuated each brand’s unique appeal while at the same time illustrating six particular trends that all or some of them have in common as they collectively strive to honour the motto “Bangkok-based, Asean’s Best”.

IN-FORM UNIFORMS
Greyhound Original, Asava, Painkiller, Kloset, Playhound by Greyhound and Vickteerut share a “Campus Colour” theme, for example. They utilise the hues seen in school uniforms, such as dark blue, magenta, green and yellow, as well as white and black.
Greyhound Original is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a winter collection called “Collage History” that borrows from the “Greyhound culture” of the past. The collage technique lets the designers paste together different structural elements and materials in truly remarkable street wear. The merging fabrics include acrylic wool and cotton polyester, feathers on silk and leather with fur, and Greyhound’s classic blacks and whites are accented with red, pink, green and blue.
Asava’s autumn-winter line, “The Galaxy of Stars Manhattan, New York City” is utterly magical, evoking a night sky glowing with stars – each one representing a citizen of Manhattan. The label’s trademark opulent materials – duchess satin, silk chiffon and satin, matte and sandy crepe – come in solid colours as well as pinstripes from across the palette, from beige and navy to lavender, rose quartz and scarlet red. The balance in hues amounts to “approachable colourways” – versatile enough for any lifestyle.

THREE DIMENSIONS
Kloset, Milin, Curated by Ekthongprasert and Vickteerut have in common “Three Dimensional Art” thanks to the clever use of details like sequins and ribbons and superb tailoring techniques that add volume.
Kloset’s “Written all over your face” collection alludes to those moments when there’s no hiding your innermost feelings. The line deploys fabrics and other elements in a playful way, with individual pieces dubbed Queen of Cards, Cupid and the like.
Milin’s collection “Swinging Darling” redefines silhouettes and gives basic patterns a sharpness that’s almost drastic, everything peppered with geometric cuts. Triangles and rectangles add boldness to mini and maxi dresses, hot pants, frilly tops, sleeveless long jackets, wide-leg trousers and jumpsuits. Optical-art prints jazz up the line with polka dots, stripes and checks.

GENS WITHOUT GENDER
Vickteerut, Asava and Greyhound Original share the same “Genderless Gen” turf, dressing women in more “masculine” gear like suits, shirts and slacks.
For this winter, Vickteerut takes inspiration from the bold outlines and fussy accoutrements of figures in Art Deco paintings. The label makes a “Statement” with decorations like big bows on gowns and tops, and the draping is divine in the dresses, jumpsuits, blouses and skirts.

ANY TIME OF DAY
All of the BFS brand adore the “24/7 Gown”, with its undeniable elegance, luxuriousness – and flexibility. This is a trend that shows off the wearers at their best while still allowing for easy, everyday looks, such as foot-length trousers and floor-length skirts.

MATERIAL GIRLS
Milin’s rib skirts, open-work synthetic outfits from Curated by Ekthongprasert and lace items from Tutti and Tutti Frutti are fine examples of “Material-ISM” – special materials paired with expert tailoring. The choice in fabrics is never less than surprising.
Tutti’s mix-and-match “Paper Doll” collection is whimsical and, of course, nostalgic. Lace prints appear on collars, pockets and hems. Cut-out collars come in lace and playful polka dots. And cut-out details emphasise pockets, collars and plackets in white, cream, peony, grey, nude and camel.

ACTIVELY CHIC
The guys are not neglected, with Curated by Ekthongprasert leading the “Sport Mode” or “Sport Syndrome” approach in clothes with African touches and trousers matched to cool sneakers. Inspired by tribal masks, ritual scarification and body painting and piercing, the label adorns clothes with beads and crystals and uses embroidery and prints also “out of Africa”. The finely cut ready-to-wear gear is what they call a game-changer in the business, making Curated stand out in the crowd.

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