Fashionably Bangkok

Bangkok, one of South-East Asia's thriving and bustling city has been a well-known shoppers' paradise to regional and international shopaholics.

From the gltzy malls of Siam Paragon to Gaysorn, the must-shop department store Central and the world-famous Suan Lum night market and Chatuchak weekend market where tourists would normally throng for bargains on Thai traditional handicrafts, artworks and even imitated designer items, Bangkok holds a special place in the hearts of the shopaholics.

Even though international labels have longed thronged the malls and squares of Bangkok and ubiquitous in every shopper's list, the City of Angels too, as known to the locals, has its own share of top notch fashion designers whose label is retailed at celebrity-infested boutiques either in Los Angeles, London, New York and even in Japan.

Be it funky, fresh and classic, the creations of Thai designers have gained strong position and drew an abundant of interests from the world's fashionistas. Here, I am bringing you the top two of Thailand's fashion exports that have stamped their marks in the international fashion scene on their own.

Senada Theory

One of the famous Thai fashion export label, Senada Theory counts vintage romanticism, ethnic charm and savvy street style drawn from everyday life as well as common objects as its inspiration.

Believing in the philosophy of fashion is a lifestyle expression, Senada Theory does not only aim to sell its design but also to inspire women on the art of dressing.

Featuring the finest materials and handcrafted details, Senada Theory offers you a couture-like style. Thai and Chinese silk, Indian embroideries fuses with Thai ethnical influences creating designs that are unique, feminine, stylish and cutting-edge.

This season, Senada Theory blends two opposite elements of jazz music, polka dots and menswear stripes with the subtle sweetness of feminity to create a difference in its design.

Using elegant key palettes of jazzy black and white, the collection is enhanced with the usage of luxe fabrics such as gold brocade, silver lurex, and micro nylon mixed with nude pink plus Thai silk, French laces and vintage prints that have graced the Senada Theory designs for ages.

From an above knee-length skirt that imitates the curve of a barrel, to a sweet-colored Peter Pan collared silk satin blouse and dress with silk chiffon half sleeves, the collection portrays the unconventional side of a free-spirited womanhood.

The Senada Theory Spring/Summer 2007 collection is available now at Senada flagship store at Gaysorn as well as at selected boutiques in United States, Europe, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore to name a few.

Boudoir by Disaya

Another hit label among international fashion followers, Boudoir is a brainchild of Disaya Prokobsantisukh, a Central St. Martins graduate. Once trained under the direction of enfant terrible designer John Galliano in Paris while completing her BA and won herself the L'Oreal Professional Total Look Awards in 2002.

Although being approached by Italian designer Alberta Ferretti to join her company, she refused the offer and decided to return home and set up her own label, Boudoir.

Playful and sophisticated is the label's credo and its womenswear collection is known for buoyancy and bold with a hint of luxury. Three product lines were offered by Boudoir which are ready-to-wear, lingerie and jewelry and accessories.

Boudoir's first lingerie presentation was presented for the first time at Elle Fashion Week Bangkok in 2004 while it's ready-to-wear line followed suit a year later and it managed to caught both international press and media attention.

For Spring/Summer 2007, Disaya holds strongly to the pretty and girlish aesthetics thus resulting a anutical inspired collection for this season. She incorporates the nautical elements of ropes, ribbons and knots in her collection, from knotted straps on dresses to trompe l'oeil designs of drawstrings on the waists of mini skirts and flat front trousers, dresses with swirly prints and nude colored short strapless dress with trompe l'oeil tassels at waist with an attached chunky belt are just a part of the offering.

For accessories, which Boudoir is known for, Disaya displayed her love and affection on nature and animals by creating Swarovski-encrusted pendants in the shapes of teddy bears, owls, bunnies and squirrels in a variety of colors. There's even a classic Swarovski-encrusted bow in blue that can be pinned to the strap of a dress.

The Boudoir by Disaya Spring/Summer 2007 collection is available now at major department stores in Bangkok as well as at several other locations in Hong Kong, United States, London, Paris and Hong Kong. Boudoir is also available at the celebrity-loved Kitson boutique.

Therefore, if you're planning to head to Bangkok for a shopping trip, be sure to drop by and pick a few pieces from these top designers. You know it's worth your trip.

*Photos courtesy of Senada Theory and Boudoir by Disaya.

Senada Theory - 2nd Floor, Gaysorn Shopping Center, 999 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330.
Boudoir by Disaya - 1st Floor, Boutique Department, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.