Have you ever wondered what Sumati Sivasiamphai, our former illustrious editor, has been up to? It may seem like she's been keeping a low profile but it turns out she has been juggling several exciting projects. The Emory University graduate has been writing her own fashion blog that has a Thai-Indian POV, called Rebel with a Closet (rebelwithacloset.com, fb.com/rebelwithacloset, IG: @rebelwithacloset), enjoying marital bliss, launching an online jewellery business called Marry Me Diamonds (marrymediamonds.com, fb.com/marrymediamonds, IG: @marrymediamonds) and preparing herself for motherhood. Woah, that's a lot. We decided to catch up with Sumati and had a chat about style, selling bling online and proposing tips.
Photos courtesy of Sumati Sivasiamphai
Tell us about life after Guru. What have you been up to?
Thanks for remembering me almost two years later, Guru! After all that time I spent fixing your "spalleeng mistacks" and making sure readers were subjected to the same jokes every Friday. Since I left being Guru's editor, I've ventured into the paper-cut-free online world. I started my own fashion/humour blog, Rebel with a Closet in June 2015. My husband and I recently launched Marry Me Diamonds which sells diamonds, gold and platinum jewellery online in Thailand. I'm also currently knocked up, but evidently not any more mature, since I'm still using phrases like "knocked up".
How is your fashion blog different from all of the many others out there?
Authenticity. Rebel with a Closet is lighthearted and witty but beyond the jokes I draw attention to the way women are judged for how they dress. The idea for the blog came from my own childhood horror story of trying to leave the house wearing shorts. I was sent to my room to change because I was told I was wearing the equivalent of underwear! My articles are derived from these experiences of being a rebellious Indian girl in a conservative society, but I also document my current life. For example, I recently wrote about mastering pregnancy fashion because apparently, people can't tell the difference between a baby bump and a big lunch.
No matter your background, I think my content is relatable to anyone who has ever felt restricted by the misguided opinions of others. I hope the blog can empower people to define their own style, or at least laugh while I make sense of the nonsense.
What is your definition of style?
I think personal style is when someone else can say: "That's so you". Outfits evolve based on your mood, the occasion, how bloated you're feeling, whether you're stuck in Bangkok's sweltering heat -- but if your style tells a consistent story, and you dress without worrying what others think, then every statement you make is a victory.
Where do you usually shop? Who are your style icons?
I adore rare or vintage pieces so my favourite stores are Again & Again in Thong Lor, Treasures at The Commons and Penneyonhervintage which sells online (IG: @penneyonhervintage). At the moment, anyone who isn't pregnant is my style icon because I'm sporting cankles and feel ridiculously whale-like. But usually, I could study and dissect Carrie Bradshaw's looks in Sex and the City over and over.
Let's move on to your new project. How did your online jewellery business come about?
My husband is a jeweller for high-end European brands. From our experience there's one area in jewellery that always gets people confused -- the one involving engagement rings and wedding bands. We decided to build our own online platform to return the power to the consumer. Many customers, especially men, hate visiting jewellery stores. They feel overwhelmed and forced to buy something that's so important to their wedding and the rest of their married life! Marry Me Diamonds offers them the time and privacy to shop in a pressure-free environment. We also provide educational guides on selecting the perfect ring.
What differentiates Marry Me Diamonds from other online jewellery stores in Thailand?
Complete transparency. Everything on our website is listed in a straightforward manner. You can select your desired piece and securely purchase it online in just a few steps. Of course, we have a dedicated customer service team on hand because we know buying jewellery is such a personal and important experience.
We guarantee the quality of our pieces as our parent company has over 40 years of manufacturing experience. We also own the atelier that makes our jewellery so our prices are competitive. All our diamonds over 0.30 carat come with a GIA certificate to prove they're genuine. Along with wedding jewellery, we have a beautiful range of everyday accessories and statement pieces.
Any tips for men who are planning to pop the question?
Besides a beautiful ring, I think the element of surprise is what makes a memorable proposal. In my case, I was abroad on vacation with my family. We were at a restaurant when this guy who looked identical to my then-boyfriend walked in. I was completely blindsided and thought he was a waiter! Before I could summon him to order a salad, the "waiter" kneeled down and pulled out a ring. I really appreciated that he had included my family in the proposal and orchestrated the plan with them.
What's next for you?
Well, I'm giving birth in about two weeks. I suppose I'll have to learn how to hold an infant with one hand, while using my other hand to update Rebel with a Closet, maintain Marry Me Diamonds and hopefully find time to brush my hair.
