FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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All that glitters in silver and gold

All that glitters in silver and gold

Phya releases unique bags in silver and gold in tribute to the late King Rama IX

CONTINUING the immense generosity of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej towards his subjects, upmarket Thai brand Phya has launched a limited-edition bag collection to raise funds for the Chaipattana Foundation under royal patronage.
As much a piece of jewellery as a bag and combining the finest bag-making techniques with traditional nielloware, the 99 opulent Napat bags come in two versions: silver and gold. In the former, the overall structure and frame is made with genuine 93-per-cent silver while in the latter, the frame and handle are coated with 99.99 pure gold of 2-baht weight.
Jirayong Anuman-Rajadhon, the brand’s founder and creative director, says her aim in designing the bag was to support those in need through the Chaipattana Foundation.
“His Majesty the late King was my inspiration. He was the Supreme Artist and I wanted to create a special design for this charitable project. The Napat was born from my imagination and at first I wasn’t even sure that my ideas could be transformed into a physical reality. But thanks to the perseverance and cooperation from all departments, nine months later we were able to finalise the design and production process,” she says.

All that glitters in silver and gold
“When the handles are hidden inside, the bag turns into a clutch that comes with an exclusive frame design resembling the Chaipattana Low Speed Surface Aerator. The oval silhouette structure within the rectangular frame reflects both gentleness and strength inspired by the philosophical virtues taught by King Rama IX. The frame is made with genuine silver while the golden edition is coated in 99.99 gold using the ancient Nielloware technique. The insignia on the bags features the auspicious boondarik lotus blossom, the symbol of perseverance mentioned in the late Monarch’s literary work ‘Story of Mahajanaka’ and the emblem of the Chaipattana Foundation. The lotus blossom logo is quilted on with tailor-made golden metal infused thread from Germany while the hand-woven outer cover is made from carbon fibre interlaced with tin and brass threads, which give the bags their unique dazzling shine. The bag can be carried in two styles – with the handle or as a clutch,” Jirayong explains.
Nielloware master, Uthai Jeansiri, adds that the Napat not only celebrates traditional Thai craftsmanship but also showcases the art of modern design.
“Nielloware dates back to Ayutthaya period and is a speciality of my home town in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province. The handle of the Napat bag was very difficult to create, as the nielloware has such auspicious traditional motifs as the prachamyam, puttan (cotton rose flower), and kanok patterns,” he says. 

All that glitters in silver and gold
The latches are crafted with each bag’s individual code running from 1 to 99.
Jarupatcha Achavasmit, the textile expert who help create the fabric, is proud of the Napat, describing it as a masterpiece that blends fundamental science and the arts. 
“The material is innovative. It looks like woven fabric at first sight, but is in fact made of flexible carbon fibres with strong and lustrous tin and brass fibres woven in to ensure uniqueness and durability,” she says.
Suriyon Sriorathaikul, chief executive officer of Beauty Gems, was also involved with the creation of this special collection. “Beauty Gems accepted the offer to be part of this special project without hesitation. To me this bag is actually a big piece of jewellery. It is unique and I can’t imagine any woman who wouldn’t be proud to own one. And all of the proceeds after expenses will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation,” he says.

All that glitters in silver and gold
- The charity Napat collection features 99 limited edition designer purses. Eighty-nine of these are in silver and cost Bt299,000 a piece. Those bearing the codes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 69, 77, 88 are more expensive of Bt309,000.
- Ten units have been produced in gold with the codes 19, 29, 39, 49, 59, 70 and 79. They’re priced at Bt409,000.
-  An exclusive silent auction will be held for the two gold Napat bags bearing the codes 89 and 99. All proceeds from the sale at auction will go direct to the Chaipattana. Bids are being accepted through December 13.
- View the collection at Phya’s store on the third floor of Gaysorn Village or call (02) 656 1365, (061) 954 2456 and |(086) 062 7367.
 

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