Pupe writes from experience

Fashion bloggers are rare in Thailand. But there are a few passionate writers who are well worth checking out. Pemika Thiravanitkul (Pupe) is one of these. Her English and Thai language site Stellar Balcony is packed with information, advice and insight. There are also links to her social network pages and YouTube channel.

Pupe has been interested in fashion since she was in high school. But her parents insisted that she study business. A dutiful daughter, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in marketing management. But she never gave up on her dream and finally set up her blog during her last year at university.

S Weekly chatted with the 25-year-old about her blog, her experiences and her ideas on fashion.

Is it true that you were very shy when you were younger?

Pupe: Yes, but I was lucky. My mom sent me abroad to study English several times. I went to New Zealand, Australia and the UK during my school breaks. At first, I couldn’t speak English at all, but I improved bit by bit every year. Learning the language opened up my world. I became interested in the music, film and fashion of other countries. I became more confident and felt brave enough to express myself.

How did the fashion blog come about?

Pupe: I didn’t want to do a nine-to-five office job. I wanted something that allowed me to work from anywhere. I heard that people could make a lot of money working online and travelling, so I decided to start my own blog.

Why did you decide to make it a fashion blog?

Pupe: Fashion is something that defines us. I find it empowering because you can express yourself and feel confident. And it can inspire us to create something new.

How has your blog changed since it began?

Pupe: At first, I just wrote articles. But later on, I decided to include more videos because I prefer to express myself through speech and visuals.

Do you try to keep up on all the latest fashion trends?

Pupe: No. I wear what I want to wear. I don’t believe that we all have to dress the same way.

What makes your blog different to others?

Pupe: I don’t want to focus only on fashion or events. It’s about promoting a positive attitude. When I was at Wonderfruit, I didn’t do a review of the festival. I was there to share my positive experiences.

What do you like about festivals?

Pupe: They’re like utopias. People are helpful and look out for one another. I’ve been to several festivals by myself, and people were always really nice to me. I found it easy to connect with them. Compare that to what we’re like outside festivals, when people barely talk to each other.

Which festival is your favourite?

Pupe: I've been to around 20 festivals and they’re all different. Coachella in California has big name headliners like Beyoncé, who we wouldn’t usually get to see in Thailand. Burning Man in the Nevada Desert is built up to be like a town. This year, the theme is no currency, so I have to prepare things to exchange instead of using money. The art at Burning Man is always spectacular.

What is your fashion advice for young people?

Pupe: Figure out what kind of clothes you feel comfortable wearing and which styles you like. Have confidence in yourself even when people criticise or question what you’re wearing. Fashion is about attitude. It comes from your inner self.