Wonderfully sexy and flattering to all who wear them, the high-heeled shoes are made from high-end Italian leather and finished with tasselled rope.

“We use the movement of textures to reflect the beauty and the edge of the stylish woman. I started the Rita brand three years ago as a result of my passion for high-heels. Our shoes are made with the very best of materials and can be worn all day long without pain. The design offers customers flexibility as well as the chance to mix and match their own styles.

The latest collection offers the signature tassel in variety of colours. The design is uncomplicated and clients can choose whether to tie the slender rope at knee height or ankle height depending on the occasion.

Rita shoes are now available on the first floor of Emporium Department store. Find out more at Instagram: rita_collection.

AURAPRAPHAN “Pang” Sudhina-raset, creative director of the fashion label Vickteerut, welcomed back the brand’s globetrotting founder Teerut “Vick” Wongwatanasin and celebrated its 12th anniversary with a fashion show dubbed “Vickteerut 12th” at the charming and secluded warehouse ATT19 on Charoen Krung Soi 30.

             Teerut “Vick” Wongwatanasin and Aurapraphan “Pang” Sudhina-raset

Resuming his position with the fashion house, Vick introduced his new collection “To Infinity and Beyond” for the spring-summer season, highlighting the brand’s signature designs and revamping them with exaggerated volume, ruched fabrics, pleating, over-sized cuts and down-lining.

While maintaining the minimalist approach and graphic identity for which the brand is known and loved, Vickteerut offered unexpectedly feminine pieces that were smart rather than sweet. Statement pieces included a puffy coat in paper-effect fabric paired with a long pleated ruffle skirt, a tulle bodysuit worn with pinstripe cargo trousers, a cotton blazer with pleated hem and matching pleated long tiered skirt along with throw-on-and-go pieces like oversized silk organza shirts with utility pockets matched with silk organza pleated shorts, striped bishop sleeve safari blouses worn with straight leg trousers and sleeveless tweed blouse paired with tweed skinny shorts.

Elegant cocktail dresses underlined the theme “simplicity with a feminine edge” in modern time-tested silhouettes as Vickteerut thanked its faithful fans for the last 12 years.

“I took a long break to re-energise myself and thought about trying something new. Pang asked me to join her in this collection. This time, my perspective is different,” Teerut said.

“Of course, our brand’s identity remains strong, but I want to see modern touches and new elements, from materials to techniques. By new I don’t mean strange or impractical. When it comes to fashion, there’s no right and wrong. It really depends on the person to mix and match and have fun.

“In this collection, we’ve revamped classic looks by Vickteerut, adding modern touches to them. We have a clear vision of Vickteerut women. When speaking of Vickteerut, you think of something modern but minimal. One of the biggest challenges is this fashion show, which is the first time for me to really unleash myself. I used new materials and innovations to make the clothes in this collection striking, unusual and practical.”

As part of the celebration the brand was joined by nine renowned photographers, namely Nat Prakobsantisuk, Pansiri Siriwetcha-pan, Surasak Ittirit, Jutharat Pornmuneesunthorn, Thananon Thanakornkarn, Waroon Kieattisin, Pisid Whangvisarn, John Tods, and Naruebes Vadvaree, to present a special fashion photography exhibition. Their images illustrate the spirit of Vickteerut’s women through elements and clothes from different collections, portraying the brand in unique perspectives.

The exhibition also reflects the brand’s fashion evolution.

“We wanted to present a fashion show and invite photographers who have worked with our brand to interpret Vickteerut’s women through photos. For the ‘To Infinity and Beyond’ Collection, we’ve worked really hard to make it contemporary while still retaining Vickteerut’s DNA. And because we wanted it to be different, memorable and impressive, so selecting the right venue was crucial,” Aurapraphan explained.

ACTRESS and fashion icon Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund, who is also the face of Louis Vuitton Thailand, recently joined with the French luxury brand’s general manager Laurent Barrere in hosting an exclusive party and a private preview of the Women’s Pre-Autumn 2019 collection by Nicolas Ghesquiere and Virgil Abloh’s Men’s collection.

The event, which also showcased the brand’s leather goods, accessories, fragrances, watches and fine jewellery was held at One Bangkok.

Yaya is one of the 17 celebrities taking part in the new Vuitton campaign alongside Thandie Newton, Michelle Williams, Doona Bae, Alicia Vikander, Jennifer Connelly, Ruth Negga, and Laura Harrier, Kelsey Asbille, Indya Moore, and Zhong Chuxi.

The Bangkok show focused on Ghesquiere’s creations that come in an epiphany of colours. City met country in a wardrobe that constantly swung between a weekday urban attitude and clothes for a weekend getaway in a wild mix of prints, flower motifs and animal graphics.

Floral blouses, streamlined carrot trousers, rounded coats, pleated skirts, preppy pussy-bow blouses and oversized jumpers offered a happy clash of genres for a sophisticated yet spontaneous look.

The brand also presented an original version of its monogram, “The Monogram Giant”, on its iconic bags, such as The Boite Chapeau and The Cannes.

For the guys, Abloh investigated the nature of the intermediary clothing line and stressed his belief that trendless and timeless garments and accessories are key to any wardrobe.

Adopting the cultural melting pot of Tokyo as an overall motif, he presented wardrobe staples and colours that drew on everyday Japanese uniforms found in public service, outdoor pursuits and sports. Even the graphics paid homage to Japan.

Actor Sunny Suwanmethanont modelled the menswear alongside Jinjett “Jaonaay” and Jakrapat “Jaohkun” Wattanasin.

Windbreakers, shirts and t-shirts adorned in multi-emblems hinted at the jackets worn at boating competitions. Trench coats and parkas in navy Japanese raincoat fabric or black leather echoed the dress code of watersports alongside a bright blue lightweight hooded leather parka. Bomber jackets associated with collegiate dressing came in purple Japanese check or taupe fox fur, while a black leather aviator jacket was illuminated in white shearling and python tapes. The collection’s take on a fleece jacket was a blouson in off-white felted shearling with red velour pockets.

Abloh debuted a three-dimensional extrusion technique across outerwear, tailoring and harnessing in navy and orange and reflecting the idea of protective clothing that swaddle and swathe a boy in the first stage of his life. Tailoring was built on the previously established signature crease with blazer, trousers and harness making up a new take on the three-piece suit. Trousers featured ankle splits, in interpretations of cargo classics or with inside-out pocket detailing.

Louis Vuitton also presented the new fine jewellery collection dubbed “B Blossom”. The star-shaped flower’s iconic design created by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1896, has been reimagined and emboldened in the guise of a stylish spherical stamp to meld attitude with playfulness. Illuminated by diamonds, the pink gold and yellow gold range of rings, bracelets and cuffs, earrings, pendants and chain necklaces radiated the iconic flower’s rebirth.

Seven playful rings offered a versatile interpretation of the House’s iconic design. Worn as single rings or stacked, they are available in malachite, onyx, white agate, pink opal, diamonds or plain gold in both yellow and pink gold.

The collection also looked at geometric interplay by introducing a bead and a pendant monogram flower, set inside a single walled frame to be worn on short and long necklaces and bracelets. With earrings to complement the contrasting shapes, these talismans added a minimalist feel to the iconic design.

Another highlight of the event was the new Watch Collection “Tambour Horizon”, a unique connected experience that fully encompasses Louis Vuitton’s spirit of travel, craftsmanship and creative values. Building on the previous models, this Tambour Horizon collection boasts a new element of design, new materials and new colours, taking user experience, functions and technical innovation further than ever before. Embodying Vuitton’s art of travel, the Tambour Horizon watch enriches the “May Travel” experience by grouping all of your travel information together in one piece.

Lastly, Louis Vuitton presented three new perfumes – Sun Song, Cactus Garden and Afternoon Swim – all underlining the feeling of summer.

TO HELP IT celebrate the healthy lifestyle through fun and attractive active wear, Thai brand Wakingbee recently invited actress Natapohn Tameeruks to be a guest designer for its spring and summer 2019 collection, “Wakingbee x Taew Swim and Sweat”.

The outfits recently hit the runway in a fashion show at Escape Bangkok, with Natapohn telling reporters that her design concept was in response to her busy schedule. “I usually exercise in my free time, from weight training, Pilates, or swimming. But if I have more time, I will go diving. I find active wear and swimwear similar in function and that gave me the idea to design active wear that’s also suitable for water sports.”

The collection made with a special fabric that that protects the wearer from UV rays and bacteria while also being resistant to sea water and quick drying, features a cropped sports bra with plenty of support that can be worn with high-waisted swimming shorts with a removable outer layer to give two looks. Another highlight is the ankle-length trousers in a lightweight fabric. Ladies can also have fun mixing and matching the leggings, tank top, and shorts.

The brand pays attention to the small details, adding extra hooks to the bra and removable sponge pads to the trousers and putting in hidden pockets. Each item is as suited to exercising as it is to aquatic sports. The palette includes maroon, blue, coral, black, white and nude and boasts prints inspired by waves and the beauty of reefs and marine life.

Chalita Hongsakul, the brand’s managing director, says she has thoroughly enjoyed the collaboration with Taew.

“She defines the modern lady with an active lifestyle and is conscious of the need to take care of her health. She has been involved in every part of the design process.”

Several celebrities turned out for the show, among them Ploypayap Srikarnchana, Haruethai Jayant Na Ayudhaya, Jarospan Svasti Na Ayudhya, Karuna Vatchana-phukka, Pimdao Panichsamai, Prang-Kannarun Wongkhajonglai, Diana Flipo and Chalita Suansane.

Ploypayap is also fitness mad, telling The Nation: “I enjoy working out on daily basis, and follow my routine everyday. Even when we’re pleased with the way we look and our clothes fit without feeling tight, we keep on exercising just so we can feel great.

I focus mainly on weight training and when I have time do an hour of aerobic dance. I like sportswear with high flexibility but in a lightweight fabric that can absorb sweat.”

Volume 1 debuted in 2016 as an expression of Issey Miyake’s respect for Tanaka’s works and his gratitude for the many inspirations. Existing examples of the original works were considered, and their colours faithfully replicated in the production of this series. The objective, noted the fashion house at the time, was not to use these works simply as motifs but rather to create vibrant clothing full of energy to intensify the appeal of Tanaka’s works when worn in a three-dimensional form.

This time, one of Tanaka’s works have been chosen as the motif – Circle (1986). Focusing on the dynamism and humour of each work, as well as the feeling of warmth they impart, various materials were carefully selected for the details of each work, and used in simple sporty designs.

“By expressing the powerful works of Tanaka’s artistic creation, who continues with his challenge to constantly create new value in the form of clothing, our aim is to help people recognise the ideal form of design along with its sense of fun. The collection is the embodiment of such everlasting thoughts of Issey Miyake,” said a spokesperson for the brand.

WITH THE Thai New Year holiday just around the corner, seaside towns are gearing up for the crowds. Joining them is Canadian brand, Portspure, which recently launched its first line in Thailand at Central Chidlom and is about to do the same at Central Phuket.

This summer, Portspure brings stylish designs that belong to those days when the breeze is warm, the cocktails cold and the sun bright. Founded in Toronto in 1961 by Luke Tanabe, the new collection spring and summer 2019 called “La Vancanza” offers contemporary designs with playful elements that are made to travel. Bright yellow and mustard echo a sunny day, while cool |tones of teal and turquoise bring to mind the Aegean Sea against the vast blue of the Mediterranean sky.

The brand’s signature outerwear in familiar checks and plaids offers items that travel superbly and are sufficiently light to be unobtrusive. Trench coats are softened and flow with the body rather than restrict. Side vents are extended even further so movements are unhindered.

The collection is peppered with details inspired by the Amalfi coast of the Mediterranean. Knits in macaron hues are reminiscent of the colours found on buildings in Positano; and the popular poplin shirting this season can be worn in a myriad of ways.

The signature is the white shirt, which draws on classic menswear even though it is designed for the ladies. There are also softer silhouettes of smocked waists and voluminous sleeves amongst tailored trousers and boyfriend denim. Suiting for spring and summer 2019 is topstitched with corset boning details at the nipped waistline.

Sorbet coloured T-shirts and jumpers sport tongue-in-cheek slogans, such as “Pure is the Cure” and “Very Pure” to graphic prints of the season’s chic basket weave.

CREATIVE THAI designers have long caught the eye of fashionistas at home and abroad but few have had quite the same impact as Boys of Bangkok. This group of young creatives has been dressing the country’s equally young and fashion-conscious males and continued to dazzle their fans at the highly anticipated Bangkok International Fashion Week 2019 (BIFW 2019) last weekend.

Smart, hip and taking cues from K-pop fashions, the clothes are mixed and matched in ways that ought not to work but do, offering a style that’s surprisingly attractive and creative.

                                                 Q Design and Play

Boys of Bangkok – BOB for short – encompasses three menswear brands –Leisure Projects by Nattapon Kanokvaleewong, P Mith by Anapat Thanakitpathompon and Pakphum Mithranon,and Q Design and Play by Praphat Somboonsitti and Ek Treechairusmee. Friends as well as business colleagues, BOB’s designers are aged between 27 and 33 years old and joined forces about three years ago to make a bigger impact on the market.

And they have succeeded admirably. Their fans, among them Pakorn “Tul” Thanasrivanitchai, Chanakan “Boss” Poonsiriwong, and Suppapong “Saint” Udomkaewkanjana, took up the entire front row at the recent showings.

With hints of neon lemon green and orange, the fashion show kicked off with Leisure Project’s spring and summer 2019 collection. Male models presented the laid-back separates made for lounging at Leisure Land, breathing the vibe of a summer trip to the beach and a few days on a yacht.

The palette ranged from beach-inspired hues like sky blue, white, beige and navy blue with pops of sportswear green and neon orange. Different fabrics were used and a unique embroidery technique was cleverly incorporated. Tops and bottoms were oversized, taking inspiration from sails catching the wind. Light and breathable cotton was layered to create an added dimension. Climbing ropes were used for decoration and to give an energetic vibe. Key materials came down on the side of comfort and included lightweight cotton, mesh, canvas and tencel accentuated with delicate details like ribbon, hand embroidery and quilting.

Designer Nattapon noted the Leisure Project’s guy is always in a good mood and relaxed, the kind of man who loves to wear local handcrafted fabrics.

Handmade accessories made of glass beads and sea shells added panache and were co-created with “Porshz Bead” while the watches were co-designed by Paraface, a up-and-coming Thai watch brand known for its bold colours and parachord straps.

                                                    Leisure Projects

Hot house beats raised the temperature for the second show, the “Power of Parents” collection by Q Design and Play. Inspired by Thailand’s unique trucks and their easily recognisable decorations and colourful graphics that speak volumes about the cheerful characters of Thais, the brand’s streetwear designers offered a unique total look. The collection told the story of Thai society from a playful perspective in prints meshed with black, red, yellow and blue with neon pops and matched with accessories from Column. This summer line fully embraced the brand’s fun character.

The greenish-yellow fluorescent ore mineral with a remarkable structure known as Autunite inspired P Mith’s “Startrum” collection, which showed off the distinctive colour and blended it with grey, brown, white and navy blue. Key materials were finely woven wool, cotton and soft leather along with metallic mesh and neon green and transparent plastic. Natural stone layers were also turned into prints on sheer satin and see-through fabric. Long-sleeved oversized shirts and fine details were presented in a tailored structure.

                                                          P. Mith

“Boys of Bangkok is unique in that all three brands have different characteristics. Each fashion item can be mixed and matched for a fun look. There is no fixed style; we are individualistic,” noted Anapat, adding that P Mith represents the modern and fashionable gentleman.

“Our fans are open to new things but want to retain their individual style. Our fashion is fun,” Pakphum added. “It’s okay if you want to mix this new season’s items with the old one. We want our designs to be timeless.”

Nat Mangkang of Kloset brand was full of praise for this young group of designers. “I’m kind of fulfilled and feel energetic every time I see the shows of

BOB. I felt they are really clever both in term of creativity, styling, and business. Every item can be worn together or on its own,” he said admiringly.

Nine other impressive shows were stage managed by “One Siam”, as the alliance of world class shopping centres Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery, is known, over the four-day event.

Parc Paragon was transformed into a lavish grand runway, featuring 14 top-notch Thai and internationally acclaimed labels taking part in the “We wear Thai Designer” campaign, which emphasised identity, creativity and quality. The shows kicked off with the first collaboration by Self Portrait and Vatanika. Self Portrait is a globally acclaimed UK-based label by Malaysian designer Han Chong who sent over his latest London Fashion Week 2019 collection, and prominent Thai brand Vatanika.

                                                             Self Portrait and Vatanika

Self-Portrait, a line that exudes ultra-femininity in a gentle, sophisticated and naturally sexy manner, offered a collection inspired by women in the 60s. His signature lace was accompanied by geometric and floral prints, giving it a fresh new take. Vatanika, meanwhile, brought a mixture of denim, lace and the classic checks used in men’s tailoring to create her signature chic look. The colour palette was basic black, white and grey with a dash of daring red.

Issue by Pupavis Kritpolnara presented “The Day” collection, playing with colours that radiated a joyous spirit, liveliness and playfulness. Native art was distorted to pave the way for something new. Hand-embroidered beads and sequins were incorporated in the prints, conveying the message “Yesterday was the past, tomorrow is still away, today – The Day is the most priceless of all.”

                                                         Issue

Ending the second day was the eclectic Friday27Nov with its “World of Friday” collection featuring handcrafted streetwear for young fashionistas. The collection came in a mixture of materials and colours, without any key hues or elements.

The third day started with “Sor-Gor-Bor Warship” by designer Prapakas Angsusingha. His fashion show had the name “Sup-Pa-Rang-Kay” meaning “sloppy” and it was very different from the designer’s usual feminine style. Especially designed for BIFW2019 using interesting materials, the silhouette was deliberately loose and uncomplicated.

Siam Center stuck to its Absolute Siam theme showing the collections of iCONiC, Six PM. and WonderAnatomie. Day 3 ended with the gorgeous “Front Row” collection from Milin, which asserted femininity and sexiness in a minimal approach. Sophisticated mesh, delicate lace, embellished sequinned fabric, tulle and luxurious fur created alluring textures and volumes that complemented each body movement.

                                              Tube Gallery

The last day saw shows by iconic fashion houses including Nagara by legendary designer Nagara Sambandaraksa. For his “The Floating World” show, the signature prints draw inspiration from two prominent Japanese artists Katsushika Hokusai, an Edo woodblock printmaker.

                                                         Nagara

and Kansai Yamamoto, the founding father of contemporary Japanese fashion who flourished during 1980. Pop art from 1970-1980 was another key inspiration.

That show was followed by the all-time classic label Pichita by Pichitra Boonyarataphan, who to continues to uphold her family’s legacy. She has now been joined by her two daughters, Tatim and Teema Rucksajit, who bring freshness, passion and business acumen to Atelier Pichita. The new collection dubbed “The Golden Hour” brought mosaic, patchwork and classical touches to designs in a combination of materials, forms and designs, making each print a story in itself. The silhouettes tweaked and played with the 1950s..

                                                    Pichita 

BIFW 2019 closed out with a dramatic show from Tube Gallery, as designers Phisit Jongnarangsin and Saksit Pisalasupongs celebrated the label’s 20th anniversary by bringing their favourite models to the catwalk.

The interior of the store evokes the spirit of the House with marble, glass, smoked mirrors, as well as handpainted elements throughout.

The latest collection is inspired by an imaginative world called “Naravanna”. Somewhere in the far reaches of this universe, there is an undiscovered planet where the highest stage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has been achieved and a rich diversity of nature maintained. Though every living thing looks different and unfamiliar as a result of alien metamorphosis and mutations, all fauna and flora live in unison, happily ever after.

Sirivannavari and S’Homme Spring/Summer 2019 women collection features 67 looks, 59 for women and eight for the guys. The womenswear line boasts a bolero Lurex tweed jacket paired with a dress of the same fabric, a cutout mid-riff dress with the fluid silk chiffon skirt in the signature print, a cocktail peplum dress with the metallic quilt detail echoing the spaceage theme.  For an ultra feminine look, the collection also includes a zebra-sequinned tulle blouse with handstitched feather details and a white corset dress with double layering of fringes: burgundy silk fringe and African beads fringe.

The Princess, who also owns the Sirivannavari Atelier and Academy, the inhouse workshop of couture embroidery, also brings embroidery to her new collection as evidenced in a feather applique blouse, a crystal-and-pearl encrusted gown and African beads embroidery details.

Graphic prints are once again the highlight of the new collection, The Princess has created prints this season by visually translating her imagination, including those details signifying Naravanna, such as mutants, alien creatures, AI’s mainboard, and gearwheels.  The prints are incorporated throughout the collection, from ready to wear, leather goods, shoes and scarves.

A spotlight also shines on the Bijoux Collection, with both fine jewellery and fashion jewellery drawing on the same inspiration.  The Fine jewellery collection – featuring the Maison’s emblem ‘S’ and ‘Peacock’– has rings, earrings and necklace in 18karat rose gold adorned with mother of pearl, pearl, lapis lazuli and malachite. Key pieces include a peacock choker in rose gold. The Fashion jewellery collection is both modern and fun featuring silver and brass settings coated with 14 karat gold, encrusted with Swarovski crystals, feathers, beads from Kazuri workshop in Kenya (such as a silver tiara adorned with crystal) and a bangle featuring a tiger face.

To complete and complement a look of the day, the collection also features Italian leather goods, including a python bucket bag with a variety of shaped charms, a zebra bucket bag adorned with feathers and charms, and a clutch featuring the signature print of the season with the peacock badge.

The shoe collection offers some different stylings, from a casual sandal with African beads and feather embellishment, to a classic twotoned sling back shoes with a twist of material mixing  pythons and calf, to a sexy and elegant shoe with leopard print leather, gearwheel-shaped heels and crystal and fringe adornment.

The Sirivannavari beachwear, meanwhile, encourages all women to feel confident in their figures with cutout swimwear and a coverup robe adding a finishing touch of elegance. An activewear line has been also launched for the first time.

The S’Homme menswear collection celebrates the elegant gentlemen of Naravanna. Key looks include a hoodie trench coat in beige with badges on the sleeves, a yellow safari jacket with navy blue cropped pants and a two button suit in sage green. Shirts this season have piping in African colour stripes while the trousers are all cropped. The collection also features men’s leather goods including loafers in signature prints, sandals with African beaded embroidery, and clutches and duffle bags in the Princess’ signature prints.