Liv and Stella join Phya’s family

HANDBAG maker Phya, which has a queen bee in its logo, has generated some extra buzz with the recent unveiling of the Liv and Stella bags to go with its popular Phya line.
Creative director Jirayong Anumanrajadhon also has a pop-up store at Central Chidlom until August 14. 
In less than a year since the brand’s debut, its bags and accessories have become favourites among followers of fashion thanks to their impressive functionality, flexibility of use and top-quality leather. 
Now Jirayong has acted on suggestions from her fans and created the Art Deco-inspired Liv and Stella. She certainly made the right move, judging from the turnout at the launch, which included celebrities such as Siriyos Dhephastin Na Ayutthya, Pimpisa Chiratiwat, Srisakul Futrakul, Akkararat Wannarat, Ployvarin Songpakorn and Kheriga Chotvichitr. 
Expressing a personal love of elegant handbags and high-quality design, Jirayong said she aims to create modern looks by having expert Thai craftsmen use premium Italian materials. 
“Our bags serve the needs of ladies who appreciate elegance and practicality and want to show that they’re confident and smart and choose only the best things for themselves,” she said.

Art Deco architecture played a key role in the design, lending organic patterns to the soft and smooth leather. 
“Art Deco might be seen as a woman who loves modern style and glamour, just like Phya’s ideal lady,” Jirayong said. 
“The Liv bag has the same splendid shape with vivid corners and angles and was developed from the Olivia bag, which is made of crocodile skin. For the Liv we selected cowhide and added more tailoring techniques to give it its own signature. It’s modern and comfortable for both workdays and parties. 

“The Stella features two types of leather. The front and back are nappa leather, which is very soft, and the sides are vegetable-tanned cowhide to maintain the bag’s beautiful form. The metal stand is well designed to protect the bag and make it more stable.”
Actress Srisakul Futrakul said she chooses her bags based on the occasion. She doesn’t mix and match much, so she picks items in complementary styles, such as a bag in the matching or opposite tone to her outfit. 
It’s also important to have a bag that can carry everything you need for an outing, she said. An evening party requires only a small clutch. 
“And a handbag made of fine materials can really enhance your look, especially when it goes well with your other accessories, like your watch and jewellery.”
Jariyadee Spencer selects bags based on design and quality. “I like minimalist styling in a large bag rather than a fashion bag,” she said. “A classic design with good-quality materials and tailoring is worth investing in because it will last a long time.” 
Pimpisa Chirathivat prefers a large bag for daily use, but when just hanging around, goes for a small one that fits every style she might be wearing. 
“I put a lot of effort into choosing bags and shoes because you use them for such a long time,” she said. “Leather can give a sophisticated and formal look and easily matches most styles. And a nice bag can enhance your casual look when you don’t need to be strict about styling rules.”
Ployvarin Songpakorn said she gives quality top priority and makes her bags last a long time, seldom buying new ones. 
“A bag can last a long time with good maintenance, even for the next generation when it’s made of good material,” she said. She loves to travel, so a leather bag is more practical and durable and also matches almost any outfit.
Phya’s pop-up store will be at Central Chidlom until the end of this month. It has a boutique at Gaysorn Plaza. Look for “phyaphilo” on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.PhyaPhilo.com.