A longtime hotbed of sartorial sass, the Thai capital abounds with homegrown fashion talent on par with int’l names, yet only a handful of designers have made it onto the global stage. All the better for you, globetrotting dolly – when next in Bangkok, add these Thai designers to your wardrobe.
Chai Gold Label
Diminutive Chai Jiamkittikul has been a regular face on the Bangkok fashion scene for over a decade, and Chai Gold Label flaunts his Midas touch. With a mod twist on the Thai tradition of tying fabric around the body, Chai’s exquisitely draped and folded ultra-femme frocks in vibrantly hued silk lamè, lace and chiffon will instantly transform you into a goddess. Think serious investment pieces for statement dressing, and although RTW is avail, why hold back? Go all out with a custom number.
Chai Gold Label, 3/F Siam Center, Rama I Rd, Bangkok. +66 2658 1621, chaigoldlabel.com
Vatanika
Dangling degrees from London’s Central Saint Martins and College of Fashion, Vatanika Patamasingh launched her womenswear label in 2011. Known for a love of bold print and block colour, Vatanika’s modern, ladylike clothes are utterly wearable while simply demanding attention. And with collections sold in Paris and worn by the likes of Ms Delevingne, Vatanika is one of the few who’ve make it on the international runway – but why vy with the Euro crowd when you can snap up her smarts here in Bangkok? Quicksticks!Vatanika, 1/F Siam Paragon, Rama I Rd, Bangkok. +66 2663 7258, vatanika-design.com
Vvon Sugunnasil
No need for the boys to feel left out, as dapper Thattaworn ‘Von’ Sugunnasil has raised the bar for tailoring with his sleek atelier on Sukhumvit Soi 26. Working with top-notch fabrics incl. Japanese wool, Italian silk and English Dormeuil, Von constructs super suits on the svelte side, reflecting his contempo take on the classic French cut. Such mastery is not a speedy fix and suits generally take one month to make with a minimum of two fittings. Luckily, fly-by visitors can have items posted home.
Vvon Sugunnasil, 65 The Barkyard BKK, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok. +66 86 899 9888
Where else to shop? Swanky Siam Paragon and EmQuartier malls both have dedicated Thai fashion areas – seek out style stalwarts like kooky Soda and Asava, or pop to the third floor of Siam Center for a who’s who of est. and emerging names incl. Fly Now, Theatre and the original Greyhound. The tight network of sois that make up Siam Square are still a fave spot for kitsch to avant-garde young designers and int’l street ware.
