The launch of the collection includes a special-edition Roosa Bag, designed in Finland exclusively for Thailand.

“We are committed to being a strong distributor for foreign brands which want to expand into Southeast Asia,” said Tanachira CEO Tanapong Chirapanidchakul. “We select brands with interesting stories, great quality and reasonable pricing. Marimekko is a well-known brand because its iconic prints are original and creative.

“We have also partnered with Marimekko to design the Roosa Bag exclusively for Thailand. The bag is a popular cross-shoulder one, and this limited edition features the iconic Unikko [poppy] print in pink and grey. The Unikko print was designed by Maija and Kristina Isola, and the print has been adjusted to be more modern when compared to the original 50 years ago,” Tanapong added.

“For Fall/Winter 2019, Marimekko’s creative community drew its inspiration from the love affair between Japan and Finland,” Marimekko brand manager Praewpailyn Aimaksorn said. “The interplay between two cultures – modern Japanese design and bold Finnish functionality – creates a contradiction between the Japanese ‘Ikigai’ and Nordic ‘Hygge’ representing luxury of time and balance. The collection travels from puritan north to rich eastern aesthetics, Japanese Zen garden and ornaments.

“This is expressed through powerful colours and silhouette prints on the kimono and modern clothes. A reversible coat features two different prints on each side, a blazer and a maxi dress, with icon prints such as Jokeri (Joker), sky flowers, a stone-like pattern called Kivet and the popular Unikko. These are classic prints designed since the 1950s-70s,” Praewpailyn added.

The Roosa Bag is priced at Bt3,800 and is available via Line official account @marimekkothailand or at the seven Marimekko stores – in CentralWorld, Siam Discovery, Central Plaza Lad Prao, Central Plaza Bang Na, Central Chidlom, The Emporium and Central Phuket Floresta.

The new bags come in a variety of colours depending on location, with Singapore in blue and Bangkok in black. They’re now available at Longchamp stores at the EmQuartier and Siam Paragon and from the PP Group online store in three sizes: travelling bag, cross-body and pouch.

Pro Fern- Athijit teeravattanasak, was introduced as brand ambassador at the launch recently, attended by professional golfers and sport enthusiasts.

Thanon Pongtana, chief executive officer of Art of Golf International said: “ More people are now playing golf as it involves every part of the body, and also calls for players to focus , concentrate and challenge themselves. As a leading premium golf accessory retailer for more than eight years, we have always been looking for more golf accessory brands to meet the functional demand of professional and beginner golfers.

‘PXG’ has gained recognition and popularity among golfers globally, including Lydia Ko. It features elegant, modern design and technology offering the thin and effective iron face for easy use, create long distance swing and precision. The brand also provides custom-made golf clubs for customers to suit their playing styles, based on body weight, height and swing pattern. We will consult with players directly”.

For “PXG 0211”, the engineer team developed the design on the cast body structure made of stainless steel 431 with hollow internal iron of 1.5 mm in width. The application of the brand’s patented COR2 technology allows the iron face to reflect the collision effectively, and the enlargement of sweet spot to cover the club’s face fully. This innovative design combined with advance technology has made “PXG 0211” a golf club that features prominent efficiency, enabling golfers to hit the golf ball more easily while reducing the pressure and lessen the risk of stumbling. The design of toe size and the curvy shaped hosel help support the weight by holding the club properly.

Pro Fern, suggested a few techniques at the event, saying: “Golf is a sport for everyone at all ages as its skill development depends only on personal talent and training. People who want to play for fun or to socialise can start today. They can join golf players and learn from them. For those who want to get serious with the sport, they should first prepare physically by building up strength with weight-lifting along with practising yoga to enhance muscle flexibility, the key in making a swing. Next is learn how to concentrate under the guidance of a golf pro. We set personal goal and always upgrade the challenge”.

Rarin Thongma, the CEO of Christina Grey Group Ltd, the manufacturer and distributor of O&B shoes popular with Thai women, recently organised a party, “Sailor Moon x O&B” at the O&B shop at The Emporium. The site was transformed into the realm of Sailor Moon, exuding feminine vibes with a light pink theme and O&B’s delicate style. The guests were welcomed with Japanese electronics music by a live DJ, and the extravagant entrance was decorated with chiffon fabric printed in a moon motif and Sailor Moon’s wand. It was covered by blooming roses, and all was under the highlight of a large crescent moon as seen in the cartoon.

The signature Audrey flats are made with soft, buttery lambskin. The collection features comfy flats that will see you through the day, with a Cosmic Heart that will melt the heart of Sailor Moon fans. There are five designs boasting different colours and embroidery designs. Usagi Dream features a rose gold colour which symbolising the moon or Sailor Moon, with the signature heart motif. Tuxedo Rose is inspired by the Tuxedo Mask’s trademark red rose and decorated with dazzling stars. Black Luna features black colour inspired by Luna, Usagi’s black guardian cat, and is decorated with adorable cat motifs. Silver Crystal comes in hologram silver, inspired by Moon Crystal Power Makeup that gives Usagi power to transform into Sailor Moon. The design features cute ribbons. The last design is Moon Tiara in bright yellow, inspired by Sailor Moon’s Moon Tiara Boomerang, her signature healing attack. This design comes with a crescent moon motif.

Every design in the premium collection illustrates Sailor Moon’s character, and comes with a ribbon in the same colour as the shoe, along with Sailor Moon’s famous quote, “In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you”.

Actress Natapohn Tameeruks, said, “I grew up watching Sailor Moon and I was such a big fan. I remember falling in love with it the first time I watched it, from the appearance and the transformation moves of the characters. I am excited to see O&B bring elements of the manga to its comfortable shoes, decorated with the Cosmic Heart Compact. I know Sailor Moon fans will be as excited as I am about this collection and won’t miss a chance to buy it.”

The limited-edition sneakers are the latest collaboration between Off-White and Nike. They come in trail runner style with outstanding shoelaces, zoom-air soles inspired by hiking shoes, mingle nylon, suede, and zip tie and combine them all with signature Off-White design touches, which transforms the simple plastic design into dark-green suede.

They’re available in three colours; Electric Green, white and black with pink soles.

This year the prize goes to Settawut Nampunya for his “Silent Killer” collection under the Re-wear theme.

Settawut, who is of course delighted with the recognition by largest upcycling design competition in Thailand, told reporters that his collection was inspired by images of ocean animals entangled in manmade marine trash and reflected the importance of recycling as a significant means of solving the world’s waste problem.

Aradhana Lohia Sharma, vice president at Indorama Ventures said, “Since 2011, IVL has been hosting the RECO Young Designer Competition, which aims to support and uplift recycling, as well as to promote a mindset of utilising PET materials responsibly and efficiently. Over the years, we have witnessed many thoughtful initiatives on upcycling through the collections created by our talented young designers. As the Thailand’s largest upcycling design competition, RECO will continue to raise more awareness and understanding of the need to manage waste, which plays a vital role in creating environmental sustainability.”

The judge Indorama’s assistant vice president Naweensuda Krabuanrat was vocal in her praise. “Every team joining this year’s competition is very talented. We have been amazed by the great effort and creativity of the contestants over the three months of the competition, from screening more than 200 design pieces to selecting 30 teams, who were given the chance to join our workshops to further develop their work with experts; until we were able to select 10 finalists whose apparel are showcased in the finale fashion show.”

“The most outstanding design that well addressed this year’s theme of Re-wear belongs to Settawut with his collection ‘Silent Killer’. The key is his creativity in utilising discarded materials, such as bag straps, polyester yarns, and DEJATM – IVL’s fibre made of 100-per-cent recycled PET plastic with photochromic colours. Also, outfits in this collection can be worn on various occasions: he gives us casual-wear, cocktail-wear and catwalk-wear. Importantly, such creative works by young designers demonstrate that recycled materials can be utilised in daily-life products and the Circular Economy is achievable.” Naweensuda added.

The first runner-up prize went to Nitiwat Sakulsriprasert for his “Re-Bornless” collection and the second runner-up to Pawit Prawat for a collection named “Super Ultra Re-wear”.

“I am so delighted and grateful for IVL’s visionary ambition to raise the issue of making waste valuable. The RECO Young Designer Competition provides good opportunities for us to explore new ideas. My collection portrays the fact that human are killers, intentionally or unintentionally. During design development, I recalled photos of turtles and seals entangled in fishing nets causing their suffering and death, which inspired me to create layers made of recycled yarns as part of this collection. I would like to thank all judges for your thoughtful advice and recognition,” Settawut said.

These creatures often lose a leg when they become entangled in nets and the donation will be used to produce prosthetic devices that allow them to swim again and return to life in the sea. The project is under the supervision of the Marine Resources and Coastal Research and Development Centre on Thailand’s east coast.

Vipavan Mahamrongdamkun, managing director of C-Thong Panich, official importer and distributor of Citizen Watches in Thailand said: “C-Thong Panich has cooperated with the Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Centre for the Eastern Gulf in putting together this project for the care and treatment of injured and stranded turtles and making artificial legs for the marine creatures. Part of the proceeds from sales of the 999 pieces available in Thailand will go to the project. The watch is priced Bt15,900.”

The diving watch comes in vintage style, reminiscent of the first year of the first model launches, the NY004 Series in 1993 and the 30th anniversary celebration of the Promaster series. Distinctive with a green dial and frame, it features a unique frame inspired by the Japanese puffer fish or fugu and has a serial number between 1 and 1,989 engraved on the back cover. The 42 mm body is waterproof to 200 metre, has a Citizen Caliber 8203 mechanism that can be wound by hand a power reserve of up to approximately 40 hours.

“We have given it the nickname ‘fugu’ after a rare turtle called Fugu who was caught in a net and lost his leg. We also hope that the story will make the government, the private sector and the general public aware of the dangers of marine waste that has devastating effects on marine resources. We have plans to make artificial legs for Fugu and release him back into the sea next month. Our brand ambassador Prin ‘Mark’ Suparat will be on hand and we invite his fan clubs to join this project,” she added.

Dr Pin Sak Suraswati, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources revealed, “Recently, our rare marine animal team received a report that sea turtles are being caught in fishing nets. The one we found, a male aged 2-3 years, has a perfect body and can respond well. Deep wounds to the legs were causing abnormal swimming and he also had wound in the corners of the mouth on both sides. He is now being treated by a veterinarian at a rare marine animal hospital Makhampom Bay, Rayong Province. We are delighted to be receiving the support of C-Thong Panich.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Elle magazine’s Thai sister publication, Fashion Week had as its highlight “25×25”, a show in which 25 brands collaborated on one remarkable collection.

The participating brands all have close ties to the magazine, including the royal touch of Sirivannavari and such well-known names as Kai, Pisit, Pichita, Tirapan, Asava, Greyhound, Hook’s, Jim Thompson, Theatre, Tube Gallery and Vatit Itthi.

Also represented were the popular Disaya, Kloset, Landmee, Milin, Painkiller, Sretsis, Vatanika and Vickteerut.

And making their Elle Week debut in “25×25” were emerging brands Archive 026, Boys of Bangkok, Meshmuseum, Vinn Patararin and Wisharawish.

Each brand presented two different outfits fitted to top models including Nittha “Mew” Jirayoungyurn, Violette “Vee” Wauteir, Sara Legge, Treechada “Poyd” Petcharat and Davika “Mai” Hoorny.

The collection combines striking graphic prints and high-performance fabrics and the motivational theme is “Do It to the Fullest and Have Fun to the Fullest”.

There are dazzling prints – leopard skin, anyone? – and gorgeous colours like spearmint, royal blue and topaz.

Check out the padded overcoat, hoodies and jersey bodysuit, leggings, sports bras, jackets and sweatshirts and sweatpants, all bearing the DKNY logo and covering all three DKNY lines – Activewear, City and Spa.

DKNY Sport has become a favourite brand among fitness-minded celebrities including Kamolned Ruengsri, Warattaya Nilkuha, Kejmanee Wattanasin, Chiranat Yusanonda, Patricia Good and Aniporn Chalermburanawong.

You might spot one of them at the pop-up store, whose design is inspired by the classic scenes of New York City.

Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Galanti presided at the recent invitation-only debut of the afternoon tea, which also featured a fashion show by talented designer Karatphet Issara, the creative director at Kemissara.

Thitiporn Sathavornmanee, marketing director at local distributor of Sette Peccati, praised Misis for its “unique design format in all five collections, combining various materials with meticulous craftsmanship”.

“Reef Party” cheerfully captures the beauty of a coral reef and its mystical charm, right down to bright starfish and golden seashells. The necklace, earrings and ring are a mingling of red, white, blue and pink.

The marvellously feminine “Ama” is named for the famous Japanese pearl divers who have inspired painters and writers for centuries. Blue chalcedony meets white and orange enamel shells, white cubic zirconia and pearls in chandelier seashell earrings and gold-plated pieces shaped like seahorses and starfish.

The menu for “Gems of the Sea Afternoon Tea” delightfully complemented the jewels with Edible Oyster Shells, Avocado Creme, Salmon Pearls with avocado cream, roe and blue curacao bubbles, and even a blue chocolate mousse whipped into waves.

The “Positano” line visits a Tuscan beach famous since ancient Roman times with the cobalt blue of the sky and sea contrasted against white sands and houses. Gold-plated silver crabs and enamel freshwater pearls catch the eye among the blue-enamel coral and resin in a pearl bangle, crab stud earrings and more.

“Poseidon” boasts a crowned octopus and golden puffer fish hanging from a bracelet and long necklace embellished with blue agate.

“Isla de mujeres” is a voyage to the abysses of the deep, where beautiful starfish dart among sunken galleons. A starfish-shaped bangle and ring have gold to mimic the sand and orange portraying the evening sunlight. A necklace is embellished with green starfish-crafted pieces and gemstones.

Misis is available at Sette Peccati’s boutiques at Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and Siam Takashimaya.

“Gems of the Sea Afternoon Tea” is being served daily from 2-5pm until September 30 in the St Regis Bar and the Drawing Room on the 12th floor.