You’ll never guess who made this

SMOCKED SHOULDER and tote bags and clutches in chic dark shades of denim, cotton and polyester were grabbing a lot of attention at the recent International Innovative Craft Fair in Bangkok. They weren’t what you normally see when it comes to smocking – a technique typically reserved for cushions or tissue-box covers. Absent were the glossy texture and colours of intricately embroidered and layered satin.

So the bags achieved a shift in perception and made what had seemed unfashionable suddenly worthwhile. And the credit belongs to the well-trained inmates of the Central Women’s Correctional Institute.

The ladies behind bars had made the totes and clutches as part of the Kamlangjai (“support and encouragement”) project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajarakitiyabha.

“These inmates are good at smocking, but they were only making cushions, tissue-box covers and eyeglass cases with the usual elaborate patterns and colourful glossy fabrics, nothing that would appeal to the younger generation,” says project coordinator Kwanchai Santiparapop.

With the Princess’ patronage, collaborative effort was set up with the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre to introduce new products with a fresh look. Kwanchai says that about 50 inmates have been trained to create “smocked bags with a modern twist”, earning half the proceeds from sales.

Kamlangjai was established in 2006 to give people in need an opportunity to improve on their lot, beginning with pregnant and elderly inmates, prisoners’ children and juvenile delinquents. The aim is to help the adult and juvenile offenders make amends and develop the skills and confidence needed to build better lives. 

Designer Pirada Senivongse Na Ayudhya of Trimode Studio was among those who aided the project, in her case by redesigning the patterns and introducing new materials to give them a more contemporary look.

“I opted for denim, polyester, cotton and linen mixed with cotton, mostly in matte black, dark blue, grey and brick orange rather than the glossy satin in bright hues,” she says. 

“The inmates tended to think that the more elaborate the pattern in the different layers and the better the product. But, to me, fancy designs don’t really fit today’s lifestyles, so we’ve kept the patterns simple. In some cases the patterns are blown up to a larger scale and cover the whole bag, and in other cases they’re scaled down and decorate only the centre or bottom of the bag.”

Pirada’s instincts proved right: The first batch of 100 items sold like hotcakes. As one customer put it, “It’s just the right combination of craftsmanship and stylish design.”

The cushions and eyeglass cases are still part of the product line and there also tablet sleeves and crocheted and knitted necklaces. Prices range from Bt300 to Bt1,800.

 

NEW IN SMOCKING

Look for the products at craft fairs. Items can also be made to order – call project coordinator Kwanchai Santiparapop at (080) 581 1434.

Learn more about the Kamlangjai project and how you can help at www.KamLangJai.or.th.