In Japan, a young person dressed in full traditional kimono in the big city on a regular day is no spectacle. Nor does there need to be a special occasion in India or Bangladesh to don a vibrant saree. So why in a country that far from lacks traditional culture and a city that loves fashion, have we shied away from the beauty and uniqueness of Thai fabrics and traditional style? I mean when was the last time you wore a proper pha nung or chong kraben?
The good news is that a rebirth of interest in Thai textiles and Thai traditional fashion is underway in this city. We've been seeing, for instance, the growing popularity of period dramas in Thai lakorns, as fans realise how dreamy their television heartthrobs look as classic Thai ladies and gents. Several art events in the last month have also highlighted the craftsmanship of woven Thai silks and other symbolic fibres, and all this has led up to the ultimate form of expression for Thai textiles: fashion.
In commemoration of the Queen's 84th birthday and Thai Mothers' Day, four renowned Thai designers have taken up the Ministry of Culture's challenge to bring national textiles into 2016. Here's who they are and what their ideas for modern traditional Thai outfits look like.
Chai Jiamkittikul
Creative director of Chai Gold Label
As a designer of luxe eveningwear, Chai was naturally drawn to Thai mudmee silk as a source of inspiration for the special project. It's a collection to be admired both close up and from afar. Chai essentially creates new fabric by stitching small swatches of mudmee together like a mosaic. From a distance, the pattern looks so uniform, it takes you a minute to swallow that each inch is actually unique from the rest. Working around golden tones, the Chai Gold Label signature also prevails in gorgeous and occasionally avant-garde draping techniques and the overall red carpet flair.
Platt Pladhi
Creative director of Realistic Situation
Platt Pladhi was also inspired by the regality of mudmee, highlighting lavender as the thematic silk colour of his collection. Platt uses the textile more recognisably as panels of uncut fabric, however offers us something rather edgy and a little rock n' roll. Conservative silhouettes like bateau dresses are instantly turned up with simple additions of a huge black bow and bold beading. Realistic Situation also gives the collection a few darling Thai silk pant looks, styled perfectly with shiny, clunky black oxfords. Love.
Sirichai Daharanont
Creative director of Theatre
Sirichai Daharanont's collection of reinvented Thai menswear has us smiling with awe. Who would have thought that the Thai traditional pha khao ma would mesh so elegantly and interestingly with Western suits. There is so much dapper and fabulous hybridisation going on in each of the looks, from kangkeng lays featuring suit pockets on a peplum to pha khao ma-patterned bowties -- a definite must-have! Aside from breaking the mould on formal menswear silhouettes, we also applaud the designer for not holding back on colours. You'll see dark, masculine mudmee paired with flamboyant brights or the flatness of pha khao ma gingham paired with light-reflecting silks and bead embroidery. It's all so fresh.
Wisharawish Akarasantisook
Creative director of Wisharawish
Finally, here's a collection that's more wearable on a daily basis. Wisharawish, a Buriram native, was inspired by the lively culture of Northeastern Thailand to produce a collection of Thai outfits that is vibrant, bubbly and most of all, fun. The designer didn't have to alter much to make a statement. He adds subtle modernity via colour-blocking, texture and augmented volume to the progressiveness that already existed in Isan fashion. The end results are outfits that are inseparably modern and classic -- exactly what this royal project aimed to achieve.
Check out the four designers' homage to Thai fabrics at the first floor of CentralWorld until Aug 14.
