Poem goes for Glamour

ONE OF the most seen brands on Thai red carpets for the last decade, local label Poem has a sophisticated, elegant feel that draws stars to its designs like moths to a flame. 

Now owner and designer Chavanol “Sean” Kaisiri is celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary by introducing his latest collection aptly named “A Decade of Glamour”.

He recently unveiled his creations for autumn-winter 2016 at a spectacular fashion show that had celebrities sashaying on the red |carpet while their pals, all dressed in their favourite Poem outfits, looked on. 

The ladies included Sikanya Rattanataros, Napaphon Bhodiratthanangoon, Piyavadee Maleenont, Ornchuma Duronkdech, Sitamanint Poonsapmanee, Pimdao Panichsamai, Porama Raiva, Panvard Booyaratklin, Panita Tumwattana, Sakuntala Tienpairoj, Kathareeya English, Kannaran Wongkhajornglai, Jarinporn Joonkiat, Cathleeya McIntosh, Supassara Thanachat, Waratthaya Nilkuha, Putthichai Kasetsin and Pavarisa Penchart.

Poem’s signature designs combine boutique-style tailoring with graceful lines suited to the modern woman’s lifestyle. Many of his outfits are inspired by his training in architecture and have a structural quality that appeals to ladies who love the modern classic style.

He identifies Poem as a brand with explicit style, telling XP: “Our designs reflect modernity, elegance and mystic charm. We believe that every lady has her own style and we cater to that through tailoring and attention to detail”.

Chavanol transformed the runway into a “Red Carpet” event to present a collection of masterpieces inspired by the queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese, who has a passion for the style of the 1950s. Her signature fashion style is the silhouette, which emphasises womanly curves with a hidden seductive charm. Another inspiration is Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s 1888 painting “The Roses of Heliogabalus”, which shows the Roman emperor drowning his guests in rose petals. The beauty of the petals and the colour tone of the painting are behind the print format for this collection.

A highlight is the special lining known as Power Mesh, which keeps the body in shape, and is used for most of the outfits. Other standouts include a tutu fabric boasting 16 layers of rose petal printed fabric and an interesting Art Nouveau print, which accentuates the curves and adds an exclusive burlesque style. The fine tailoring is revealed in the minimum number of seam lines that connect the prints as finely as if they were cut from the same piece of fabric. 

The distinctive designs in this collection are cigarette trousers worn with a deconstructed top with a bow, A-line skirts and body-fit pencil dresses in a selection of glamorous fabrics including shiny velvet. The basic tones are still white and beige with pink, red, olive green and black adding a hint of mystery.

For this special anniversary, Chavanol matches his glamorous outfits with shoes ranging from super high heels, heels with an additional platform, and heels in art-nouveau form. The material selected is patent leather in beige to match the Asian skin tone. A velvet clutch enhances the sense of glamour. 

Chavanol is now planning to expand to China, Dubai and the Middle East. “We feel we have much to offer their sophisticated customers,” he says. “Good dressmaking is very important.”