FOR HIS new autumn-winter collection, Stuart Vevers, creative director of luxury fashion brand, Coach, has been inspired by the toughness of urban New York and the mysterious charm of North America’s deep south.

Unveiled recently at its new concept store at CentralWorld, with actresses Ann Thongprasom, Khemupsorn “Cherry” Sirisukha, Taksaorn “Aff” Paksukcharern, and Woranut “Noon” Bhirombhakdi acting as muses, the new collection flowed along the catwalk with gossamer-like movement.

Jagged edges and mystical symbols alluded to something subversive while whip stitching, thorny roses, found objects and feathers hinted at dark romance. And for the evening, a rock ’n’ roll look achieved through metallic dresses came highly recommended.

Inspired by gothic culture and supernatural energy, bandana prints and hoodies dripping with leather offset tasselled jackets and lightweight cowgirl dresses. The inspiration exploring the tension between New York City and the American Southwest created a whole new vocabulary.

The new Dreamer bag proved a winner thanks to a modern design complemented by highly durable thick leather and metal studs and three interior slots that truly answer to the urban lifestyle. Also highlighted at the show was the exclusive “Coach x Selena Gomez” collection, which is a design collaboration between Vevers and the singer, who has more than hundreds of millions of followers on Instagram.

Opras Lavichant, chief executive officer of Pacifica Group, importer and distributor of Coach, was on hand to welcome guests to the newly renovated flagship store along with Emmanuel Ruelland, vice president and general manager for Coach Southeast Asia and Oceania.

“Coach has had a presence in Thailand for the past 14 years and this year we chose to transform the 235 square metres of our store at CentralWorld into a new concept shop for the modern luxury lifestyle. The interior has been designed by our creative director in partnership William Sofield, founder and interior designer of Studio Sofield.

“Natural wood and leather furniture bring a luxurious and warm feel with a hint of fun that represents New York City, the brand’s true home,” Opras said proudly.

“We are also delighted to have added a Craftsmanship Bar where we offer custom name and symbol stamping on bag tags tailored for the ultimate expression of individual style.”

A favourite brand with Thais, Marimekko recently launched its autumn-winter collection in an exclusive preview at the newly revamped Marimekko Flagship store at CentralWorld.

The event, which was organised by Tanachira Group, featured models in modern folklore-inspired silhouettes, the rich colour palette offering a vivid dialogue between contemporary prints and iconic archive patterns from the 1950s and 1960s.

The new ready-to-wear collection was presented at Paris Fashion Week early this year and immersed fashionistas in Marimekko’s art of print making. The clothes highlighted Marimekko’s philosophy of craftsmanship, timeless style and functional design, represented through selections of ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories. The company’s own textile printing mill in Helsinki serves both as a factory and as an innovative hub for Marimekko’s creative community.

The brand’s signature prints include the iconic Unikko, Piccolo, Tiiliskivi, Kivet and Jokeri.

Festive materials such as velvet and silk are combined in the collection with unexpected details in metallic colours that add joy to everyday life and festive moments alike. The preview included showpieces designed especially for the event.

The new store, with its simple decor and wooden panelling contrasting with vibrant palettes, marks the essence of true Scandinavian design and lifestyle through a “retail meets gallery” concept. Guests included MR Chantaraladda Yukol, Piyada Nanta, Navadee Mokkhavesa, Disaya Koragotchamas, Pasinee Kongdechakul, Aranichaa Krinnachai along with millennial influencers Napassanan Sirindasuphasiri, Priya Sangkhachinda and Anon Chinpilas.

Displays of fashionable clothes, bags and accessories are showcased in the ready-to-wear corner, representing the free flowing organic yet systematic shapes of the pre-autumn collection. The space is bathed in warm white light, reminiscent of the scent of a Scandinavian autumn and winter.

The home section, which groups selections of Marimekko homeware, is designed to resemble a living room with pantry attached and is arranged in such a way as to inspire customers to mix and match their own spaces in accordance with the brand’s authentic Scandinavian style.

The home products themselves draw on the iconic archive pattern Raksimatto.

Featuring nine new models in unisex style, the collection boasts colourful ankle boots Rolling and Pix, Helix and Brutus and the chunky-heeled Thelma.

Pretty with AR

Celebrated French teen fashion and beauty magazine, Elle Girl in collaboration with award winning Thai brand AR Cosmetics introduces the “Elle Girl x AR Fashion Diary” collection. The set comprises such must-have items as the Double Powder Pact with two layers of Ivory and Pearl powder for a glowing complexion and dewy skin. Also new are two shades of lipsticks with vitamin E and shea butter in red and orange and a 3-in-1 Super Brow cover that’s easy to apply and long-lasting too.

Flowers for the fall

Triumph’s new lingerie collection Florale brings autumn to the fore with muted purple tones inspired by wild lavender mixed with intense red and paired with metallic surfaces and satin for a dramatic shimmering effect. Smoky grey lilac is the new elegant neutral while delicate tonal prints, embroidery and lace are combined for a truly feminine look. Rose gold signature details give a premium branded look and feel throughout the “Florale Sublime” and “Florale Marigold” series in a well-fitted selection that creates the perfect silhouette.

 The campaign raises awareness about the disease and serves as a reminder to keep healthy and get checked regularly.

In the campaign, Vergara wears the new limited edition bra and brief set designed by McCartney for her autumn-winter 2018 lingerie collection.

In 2018, more than 266,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and men. Nearly 41,000 women are expected to die this year from the disease and even though this number is down from 1989, it is still far too high.

Vergara joins an amazing group of women who have supported the annual campaign in the past, among them Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Chelsea Handler and Alicia Keys.

A cause very personal to McCartney, whose mother Linda died from the disease 20 years ago, the “Rose Romancing” set will benefit leading charities and support centres worldwide, including the Linda McCartney Centre in Liverpool, the Hello Beautiful Foundation in London, and Memorial Sloan Kettering in the US, to support their work in providing the most advanced early detection programmes and treatments for patients with breast cancer.

The “Rose Romancing” set comprises a soft cup triangle bra and bikini, which reflect the brand’s effortlessly sexy, naturally confident approach to lingerie in a feminine and sophisticated shade of pale rose. The BCA limited edition set can now be ordered from Stella McCartney stores and online as well as at Net-a-Porter, Saks, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Le Bon Marche and Shopbop at prices ranging from 110 Pounds (Bt4,700) for the soft cup to 85 Pounds for the Bikini.

McCartney has also announced the launch of Stella McCartney Cares, a UK registered charity that will support the designer’s ongoing personal commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness, amongst other causes close to her heart. To celebrate the launch and as the first official initiative of the new philanthropic platform will be the donation of 1,000 “Louise Listening” post-operative mastectomy compression bras to women undergoing treatment for breast cancer around the world.

Stella McCartney Cares Pink programme will work year-round, with a goal to increase awareness, education surrounding early detection and ultimately, self-care.

The “Louise Listening” post double mastectomy compression bra has been named after the designer’s mother, Linda Louise McCartney and is being globally distributed for free. The bra can be requested on http://www.StellaMcCartneyCares.org/pink, the newly formed website.

Initially introduced by the designer in 2015, the bra has already had a positive impact on breast cancer patients around the world and it is hoped that this new method of distribution will make it more accessible than ever.

Stylish and beautiful, the bra unites feminine design with technical support, made from super-soft cotton and delicate lace in blushing Pale Rose. A practical front zip fastening allows for ease and reduces discomfort, while a wide underband and deep sides offer support without underwire. Incorporating feedback from the many women who have tested the bra, 2018’s modified design includes ultra-soft internal pockets for use with a prosthesis, wide, adjustable straps, and an extended size range of S to XL.

Also to celebrate the launch of http://www.StellaMcCartneycares.org, award-winning actor and director Idris Elba OBE is featured in the new campaign. Honest, confident and inspiring, the All is Love” sheds light and information on the disease, a very personal cause to both Idris and Stella.

Further highlighting the campaign, the designer’s recently opened store at 23 Old Bond Street is housing an exhibition through November 9th in the “Members and Non Members Only club,” to offer customers insight and support during Breast Cancer Awareness month. The dedicated space will display both campaigns launched and additional imagery.

CK Calvin Klein looks closely at the American dream with its new autumn 2018 collection, tracing man’s co-existence with the digitally dominant world, in which identity is no longer singular.

Guest celebrities crowded into the CK store at the EmQuartier all dressed up in the new collection, which mixes youth, Americana, varsity college aesthetics, corporate and working-class culture.

For the ladies, sharp, formal suits and classic wool coats sit with art-inspired pieces; silhouettes are rife with symbols of a refined Americana – white based florals, the Western shirt, a floral-check mix, rodeo soutache embroidery, and fringes. Fresh pops of colour, alongside an extra touch of glamour achieved through a vinyl sheen, present a selection of statement outerwear.

This season, Americana’s influence is equally potent for menswear, with the youth culture of college and 90s club kids, and work uniforms thrown into the mix. Despite their obvious cultural differences, what the man in a cowboy ensemble, army trench coat, and aviator jacket, have in common with the man in a tracksuit, or a bold, striped sweatshirt is an affinity for utility.

Best known for its high-quality leather bags, Thai brand Phya recently spread its wings, introducing its first complete line of exquisite jewellery dubbed the Geometry collection.

Asked about this unexpected shift, Jirayong Anuman-Rajadhon, the brand’s creative director, says the idea was born out of her love for jewellery, especially earrings, which she says help enhance beauty and complement a glowing complexion.

“The Geometry collection is inspired by the geometric shapes of Phya’s unique hexagon logo and combined with Art Deco style for an elegant and eye-catching design,” she explains.

The line was launched in a fashion show held at Daydream Believer cafe in front of many celebrities and Phya fans including Thitipat Suppattranont, Melanie Yoovidhya, Haruethai Jayant Na Ayudhya, Matunart Sosothikul, Rinrata Indamra, Yada Rungwatanaphak, Thitinan Kiatpaiboon, Voranun Chantrasmi and Ornicha Krinchai.

Designed for everyday wear, the jewellery is made using solid silver coated with rhodium and black rhodium in classic black and white tones and finished with premium grade crystals.

The highlights are the earrings and brooch in a geometric design made by die-cutting the logo and sporting a chandelier-like design for a more sophisticated look.

“At Phya we pride ourselves in producing the best-quality leather bags and we are applying these same high standards to our jewellery. The pieces, which adhere to the concept ‘Unique, Elegance, Aesthetic and Timeless’, are crafted by expert Thai masters and we have collaborated with renowned jewellery brand, Beauty Gems, to ensure perfect production,” says Jirayong, a former financial expert with 25 years of experience to her credit.

“Our jewellery is targeted at confident women who enjoy an elegant lifestyle but want something functional for everyday wear. To meet this need, we balance masculinity and femininity through, for example, our bee hive brooch decorated with a thin line and tiny shooting stars,” she adds.

Rings and bangles are detail oriented, with the ring worn on an index finger to represent leadership while the long necklace boasts a random mix of round crystals and star shapes.

The earrings come in six styles ranging from small studs to hoop earrings. The hexagon drop earrings have crystals dangling from a chain and are designed to make the neck look longer and more elegant. A-lister Rinrata is already in love with the new designs, saying the chandelier style earrings adorned with diamonds will look perfect with a long gown, while Melanie has her eyes on a brooch to bring out the best in a little black dress.

“When I was young, I didn’t see wearing jewellery as important until I started to join social events,” says artist Matunart. “I prefer a necklace with a simple and classic design.”

Haruethai is also a fan, saying she much prefers to wear one key piece of jewellery rather than a set. She loves Phya’s round hoop earrings adorned with diamonds or crystals as well as the minimal design ring with its interesting details.

As for fans of the brand’s leather goods, Jirayong reveals that she is working on new collection with Italian artisans and this will be launched early next year.

The aim is to raise funds to support Make-A-Wish Thailand, an affiliate of the non-profit organisation in the United States of America that fulfils the wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions to give them hope, strength and joy.

Kay will showcase her own designs of multi-functional stylish clutch and handbags while Lim will present her customised and one-of-a-kind jewellery.

Honorary models include Natalia Glebova, former Miss Universe, Jessica Amornkuldilok, winner of Asia’s Next Top Model, Cycle 1 and Tipravee Phuchai, also known as “Sherry Hilton”, a well-known professional hairdresser.

Inspired by design as a child growing up in the USA after her family immigrated there after living through the Khmer Rouge genocide and war in Cambodia, Kay saw the world as a sketch pad for design and wanted to turn her sketch pad into tangible reality. She attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and received a degree in Interior Design, focused on designing elegant and epic interiors of mansions and a few commercial projects including the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Later, she was challenged to design jewellery and footwear which eventually led to her interest in designing handbags. A former fashion model, she recognises the influence of fashion for women. Kay went to school in Bangkok to study handbag design while working on designing her unique collection.

Her Origami Clutch can been worn in multiple ways through geometric changes while her Interchangeable/Reversible Bag is a reversible belt that securely wraps around a large portion of the bag offering two colour options and can be interchanged with a number of other reversible two colour belts.

Stefana Fine Jewellery blends the east and the west and aims to create and design jewellery that are both stunning and one of a kind. All of their jewellery pieces are a mix of natural jadeite and semi-precious gems. In business for 15 years, their roots were established in Singapore but the firm is now based in Bangkok.

Admission fee is Bt1,200 including afternoon tea.

For reservations, contact Arunee Onmee at (080) 027 9240 and Chanettree Srihuahae (080) 486 2447 of Make-A-Wish Thailand.