Noted Illustrator Phannapast "Yoon" Taychamaythakool has made her name known through her unique design whether it appears on mooncake packaging, a hi-end speaker or the walls of an MRT station. As the second guest of our Style Guru column, she reveals 10 most memorable collaborations she has done.
1. GUCCI
My illustrations for Gucci represent different stages of my life stories, past feelings and stories I created. Every time I look back on them, I recall the feelings I had while creating them and events from those times. It was such a great feeling to work on this project as if I opened a new door of opportunity for my life. This artwork for Gucci (The Wonder Factory) allows me to see my own evolution from childhood to adulthood. I see where I am and clearly envision my goals.
(Photos courtesy of Phannapast Taychamaythakool)
2. SULWHASOO "HOLIDAY LIMITED EDITION"
The months of November and December each year are an exciting and energetic time because I like Christmas and the festive season so much. Every year around this time, like clockwork, I think of Christmas fairs at my school and choirs. This year, I'm fortunate to collaborate with South Korean skincare brand Sulwhasoo, which features my illustrations on their holiday collection. I captured my feelings of the moment in my work. I played Mariah Carey's Oh Santa! in the background while working on this project. I think of these illustrations as a party underneath a pint tree among mythical creatures from the East and the West.
3. WONDER CAPETOWN X PHANNAPAST
This is my first time collaborating with a fashion brand that I wear every day [laughs]. The entire process of creating this collection took us about a year and a half. I'm impressed that the owners of Wonder Capetown aren't afraid of big and bold prints, and a multitude of colours. This is one of the collections that I'm so happy to be part of.
4. Ramathibodi FOUNDATION X PHANNAPAST
I have collaborated with the Ramathibodi Foundation for several years. This year marks the first time I have created an entire charity collection for the foundation. I'm glad that I can use my skill to help others. Five or six years ago, my aunt fell ill and was admitted to a state-run hospital. That was the first time I realised the importance of a hospital in a way I couldn't imagine before. Back then I wasn't able to help much but today I'm glad that I can do more to help.
The foundation regularly introduces charity collections featuring designs by noted designers and illustrators. It works to help underprivileged patients with medical expenses and fund the construction of medical buildings and facilities to provide better healthcare.
5. NESCAFE
This was a fun and very challenging project. While MRT Wat Mangkon was being constructed, every time I passed it on my way to visit Wat Leng Noei Yi, I thought it would be great if I could do something with the station. My wish came true when I collaborated with Nescafe to create sticker wraps that adorns many spots within the station. It was like I was walking into my dream. I have to thank Nescafe and everyone involved for pulling off such a big project. It was exciting to see my artwork come to life through AR technology for the first time, as well.
6. KIKAGAKU MOYO
One day I received an email from Tomo Katsurada, a member of Japanese psychedelic band Kikagaku Moyo. I never heard of them so I listened to their songs and their music transcends language. I enjoyed creating artworks for their third studio album Manasa Temples (2018). The story behind it is that the band tries to help the sun that's abducted by a black lion for the purpose of a mysterious ritual.
7. GAYSORN VILLAGE
It was my first time doing an art installation [for Chinese New Year 2019] on a full scale and having my first solo exhibition [titled 'Only For You'], too. I got to learn a lot of new things and I have Gaysorn Village and everyone who was involved in the project to thank for that. I unleashed myself in this project. It was 100% me and I decked out the whole space as if I did my own house. I still remember the rainbow-coloured flag on the skywalk every time I'm in the area.
8. KING POWER
I have worked with King Power on many projects and I enjoy them every time. This past Chinese New Year I created my first rat family as mascots for them. It was exciting to see my artwork given life or turned into a different and tangible form. I have another collab with King Power coming up near the end of this year, so stay tuned!
9. TAR GALLERY
I love me some accessories. My friends asked me to design an accessory collection so I immediately said yes. I'm happy when I see people wearing my design. I treat every piece I design as an art piece imbued with meaning and story. I imagine when the original owner of my work passes it to their daughter or niece and wonder how they would wear them and to go with what kind of outfit.
(Photos courtesy of Phannapast Taychamaythakool)
10. The Peninsula Bangkok
Out of many collaborations with the hotel, the mooncake box I created in 2018 stands out for several reasons. I named it after a nursery song Chan Aoey Chan Jao and it features an elaborately embroidered rabbit in the front and contains a music box playing Teresa Teng's The Moon Represents My Heart inside. The latter was the idea of Patty Lerdwittayaskul, former director of public relations for the hotel. Before the project completed, I had guest-lectured at Chula's Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, where I graduated from, and an ajarn had told me about students, who were facing financial difficulty and may have to resign. Studying art comes with tuition fees plus the cost of equipment. Part of the proceeds from the sale of these boxes helped pay for the cost of their education.
