Creative designs meets handcrafted beauty
Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage is once again tribal culture to the big city and inviting urbanites to learn more about craftsmanship and sustainable development through the “DoiTung & Friends” popup store on the first floor of Siam Paragon that will be open through November 18.
ML Dispanadda Diskul, the foundation’s chief executive, notes that the project is now in its third year and aims to create a workspace where Doi Tung's partners and local craftsmen came collaborate and come up with a special collection.
This year, designer Polpat Asavaprapha, organiser Sombatsara Teerasaroch, Vogue’s editor in chief Kullawit Laosuksri, and actress Natapohn Tameeruks are working with the Doi Tung’s artists on their exclusive designs.
There are 30 special products that effectively communicate the key message to the target group of new generation urbanites. All revenue after expenses will be used to further support the project known as “Plant People” to enable independence in accordance with the Princess Mother’s resolution along with sustainable development.
Polpat Asavaprapha of Asava spoke on the inspiration behind the collection, explaining that the design collaboration between the ASV fashion brand and Doi Tung stemmed from the desire to incorporate the knowledge and beauty of unique and characteristic handcrafts with the brand’s modern and fun design. The special collection of unisex fashion items includes a jacket with vertical stripes made from woven bambooinfused cotton, short and long dresses, cotton and rayon dresses with silver thread, offshoulder tops, blouses, crew neck tshirts, trousers, denim jackets, and shirt, as well as handwoven bags and unisex hats.
Sombatsara designed a large rayoninfused cotton handwoven carpet. Titled “Flowers on the Hills”, it reflects the inspiration stemming from the perpetually changing spectacular views of Mae Fah Luang’s flower garden. The pattern and feeling of the moment are the main message in this artwork that depicts the wonderful vibe of Doi Tung’s garden.
Likewise, Kullawit created the City Bag, a tote made from natural cotton fibre and handwoven by Doi Tung’s craftsmen. It’s completed with authentic leatherwork that helps enhance and strengthen the element while black and purple add to the modern style. The tote is multifunctional with several internal pockets for convenience and can be worn in various ways for different lifestyles.
Natapohn concocted a handwoven clutch from the soft hempinfused cotton in natural dyes and complemented it with a handwoven handle and Japanese handmade washi paper notebook box set. The 4notebook box set took its inspiration from Doi Tung’s thread weaving tradition.
