If you are the fashion wild child who has a temperament for winter sports, rejoice in the fact that Sretsis has just unveiled a full-fledged skiwear collection that Sretsis gals (and children!) can take to the slopes. Titled "The Dreamers", the fall/winter 2020 collection features truly show-stopping ski suits, down jackets, overalls and leggings that are not a mere slapping on of cloud, floral and leopard prints onto skiwear.
As Sretsis founder and eldest sister Klyduan Sukhahuta tells us, their first foray into skiwear all started when Sretsis was approached by a local producer of winter sports clothes looking to work with a Thai designer brand.
"This factory produces for the high-end labels of the world, so it can be assured that they have the technical know-how and resources to produce truly practical skiwear," Klyduan says. "We would only want to produce the finest of quality that's also functional, so there are little pockets on the jackets. It's also reversible so you can wear it on other occasions besides skiing too."
Dreams of snowy hills are a concept wearers can only imagine for now, but other looks that are not restricted by border lockdowns include pyjamas lined with wisps of ostrich feathers for evening wear (who would have dreamt that!) and diamanté stars and heart-shaped patches that deck long coats. Polka-dotted dresses inspired by the brand's forever muse, Princess Diana, are also some of the highlights of the collection. Now in stores just in time to feed the buzz surrounding Netflix's The Crown's latest season release, fashionistas and fans hoping to emulate the iconic princess' style in a contemporary way can do so with Sretsis' offerings.
Held earlier this month, the fashion show to launch the collection was also nothing short of an ice-skating routine and a live performance involving a floating moon. Thai pop star Ally Nitibhon floats by on a glittery crescent moon singing Dream A Little Dream Of Me, while figure skaters from the Thai national team triple spin across the rink underneath -- displaying how the collection can truly withstand the stretch and strain of winter sports. Elite gets into all the details with Sretsis founder and creative director Pimdao Sukhahuta to discuss her own take on The Crown Season 4, skiwear and getting by on dreaming.
Klyduan, Pimdao and Matina Sukhahuta in The Dreamers collection. (Photos Courtesy of Sretsis)
What do you think of the character Diana in the latest season of The Crown?
Pimdao: I didn't realise that she was only 18 when it all happened. I see a teenager who falls into a fairy-tale plot, only discovering a reality that she's already heartbroken before it started. I feel it shows the emotional human side of the famous princess people didn't know.
What do you like most about Princess Diana's fashion sense?
Pimdao: I love how she evolves from a young naïve Lady Di into the strong rebel princess who's not afraid to explore, and be herself. In the early years, she epitomised the proper-but-playful style in polka-dot day dresses with big prairie collars, then the unconventional haute-gypsy with prints and bold colours, to mixing street style from her gym clothes with Birkin bags that have become the trends in fashion now. But most of all, I admire her role as a mother. She seemed to have broken a few royal protocols to do activities with the princes to enjoy some real experiences like normal children.
Why did you choose to take inspiration from her for this collection?
Pimdao: She has always been on our mood board for many different seasons, but really inspires the rebellious polka-dot classics this season. Since one of our key prints is Polka Dots and Moonbeams, inspired by the famous Frank Sinatra song depicting the feeling of falling in love, with Sretsis' spin on the heart-shaped dots and hidden rows of stars, we couldn't think of a better muse than Lady Di.
Where does your family like to go for skiing trips?
Klyduan: Although I don't, my children do in Japan. That's why we decided to make this collection for kids too.
Pimdao: My sisters like skiing in Japan. But my husband being French loves the French Alps.
Matina (youngest Sretsis sister): My first real skiing experience was in Oslo, Norway. I loved how it was part of every day life in the city. And everyone was always in ski fashion and you could even say to your co-worker, 'I went skiing or ice skating on the frozen lake this morning before work!'. That was when I wish we had our own skiwear.
Best buy verdict: The reversible down jacket can be worn on both sides.
Which piece is an absolute essential while on the slopes or in a wintery setting?
Pimdao: The Dreamer reversible down jacket will make you blend in harmoniously [with your setting] with its Clouds print. Or you can shine brightly with the reversed metallic silver side while on top of the slope!
The collection is called The Dreamers. What are you dreaming about to get by during these stressful economic and pandemic times?
Pimdao: I dream that we would be able to travel freely again soon, that we would be able to visit our families and loved ones afar. Hint: that's why our next resort collection is titled 'Kiss The World'! For now, it's the time to re-evaluate our brand and vision for the new future. I want to focus on our core values and create designs that are meaningful and sustainable. In a way, they will become your favourite pieces that you would cherish and wear over and over, not just for an Instagram photo, but rather something you want to keep and even pass on to your daughter.
Travelling to ski destinations may not be something we can easily do right now. How can you recommend customers to buy your ski pieces?
Pimdao: They may be meant for skiing but they're also multi-functional and can also be mixed and matched with other winter clothes. Our 'Dream In Color' waistband leggings are actually flying off the shelves to go with oversized blazers or cool street sweatshirts. Our ski jackets are made of recycled fabric, are snow proof, lightweight, and most importantly, are reversible. They will definitely keep you warm and beautiful up on the ski slope or simply hiking or glamping on top of Chiang Dao this winter.
If you're stuck in Bangkok, visit Sretsis Flagship at Central Embassy and why not take the Dreamer jacket for a spin at the newly open ice rink on the ground floor! These timeless pieces will still fit perfectly for any winter, and they will also give us hope and keep our dreams alive for the next trip somewhere in the powdery mountains. For those overseas, we do ship worldwide from sretsis.com.
Check out The Dreamers Fall-Winter 2020 Collection at Central Embassy, Siam Paragon and The Emporium.
Sretsis' The Dreamers Fall-Winter 2020 Collection.
Sretsis' The Dreamers Fall-Winter 2020 Collection.
Sretsis' The Dreamers Fall-Winter 2020 Collection.
Sretsis' The Dreamers Fall-Winter 2020 Collection.
Sretsis' The Dreamers Fall-Winter 2020 Collection.
