BIFW 2015

The Phuang
Fashion
Malai
in
Thai
Recently, I’ve come across some interesting and even edgy
interpretations of the traditional Thai floral garland, the
phuang malai, in Thai fashion. Traditionally, this kind of
flower garland is used for ceremonial and auspicious
occasions. Thus, it does not come as a surprise that many Thai
people dissaprove of using the phuang malai as a fashion
accessory. Nevertheless, I’d like to show you some unusual and
stunning creations using the traditional Thai floral garland.
The Phuang Malai in Thai Fashion
For instance, Thai designer Rotsaniyom is well-known for their
vintage, ethno and romantic creations. Hence, in one for their
former collections called ‘Malai’, they used Thai flower
garlands as a fancy shoe accessory.
Thai fashion Rotsaniyom Malai
Collection (photo: Rotsaniyom FB
page)
The
Rotsaniyom
Malai
collection
uses
traditional Thai flower garlands as shoe
decoration (photo: Rotsaniyom FB page)
What is more, in their recent collection, they feature a white
dress which is kind of traditional Thai style. This dress is
called ‘Choey Ceremony Dress’ and incorporates a white lacy
phuang malai in the belt.
CHOEY CEREMONY DRESS (photo:
Rotsaniyom FB page)
A white dress with the phuang
malai as an accessory (photo:
Rotsaniyom FB page)
Whereas Rotsaniyon presents us romantic interpretations of the
Thai floral garland in fashion, the Lounge Hair Salon came up
with some more edgy creations including the floral garland at
the BIFW 2015 (Bangkok International Fashion Week).
Edgy incoporation of the phuang malai at
the BIFW 2015 (photo: Amat Nimitpark)
For example, there is a spiky, metallic floral garland which
is used as a hair accessory. This metallic phuang malai really
seems to be punk and also a bit goth. Well, I’m not sure what
to think of it!? I don’t find it beautiful but nevertheless it
is extraordinary and eye-catching.
A punk phuang malai by The Lounge
Hair Salon BIFW 2015 (photo:
theloungehairsalon.com)
They also featured a Thai floral garland made from hair. I
think this looks amazing and certainly took a lot of time and
effort to create. This is truly a work of art and needs to be
appreciated
Thai floral garland made from hair BIFW 2015
(photo: theloungehairsalon.com)
Phuang Malai as an
accessory BIFW 2015
Nimitpark)
edgy fashion
(photo: Amat
Summing up, we may say that the phuang malai seems to have
found its way from traditonal (ceremonial) object into Thai
fashion. I find it very interesting and amazing how Thai
designers and other artists interpret the traditional Thai
flower wreath. What do you think of the more edgy creations?
Yours, Sirinya
Thai Designer Nagara & The
Floating World (BIFW 2015)
Nagara Sambandaraksa can be regarded as the most renowned Thai
fashion designer. He has designed for Thai royalty and his
creations are strongly connected with his Thai heritage and
regional influences. Thus, his designs are predominantly
custom-made pieces created from Thai silk, borcade and other
premium materials.
Nagara’s Story
Renowned Thai Fashion Designer Nagara
Sambandaraksa*
At the age of 15, Nagara left Thailand to study interior
design in the United States and the UK. However, each summer
he returned to Bangkok in order to study the art of fabric
painting and design. After finishing his studies in the US and
the UK, Nagara went to Omoto School near Kyoto in Japan to
study Japanese traditional arts in textile design.
Nagara’s models at the BIFW 2015, The Floating World*
At the beginning of his career, Nagara made home furnishing
fabrics and textile design. He started fashion design in 1983
and today he is well-known for his ‘East meets West’ designs
and the distinct oriental character of his creations. Nagara
fashion is a regular representative at Bangkok Fashion Shows
and the International Fashion Week.
Nadech Kugimiya & Urassaya Sperbund for Nagara*
He travels a lot to find inspiration in other countries.
Hence, he particularly loves the cities of India, China and
Japan. However, he also likes European cities like Paris and
Florence for their inspiring character. He feels the need to
search for inspiration in other countries but at the same time
Thailand’s fashion scene is becoming more dynamic and younger
designers are receiving more support.
Thai Fashion Designer Nagara ‘The Floating World’ at
BIFW 2015*
He thinks that it is also important to consider trends in
fashion and to be guided by the younger generation.
Nevertheless, the special feature of Nagara’s fahion is that
he produces all the fabrics himself. This includes the
weaving, printing and painting of the fabrics. Thus, he needs
more time in creating the designs but they are unique. Hence,
his signature style is using the world famous Thai silk.
Janie Tienphosuwan at The Floating World by Nagara BIFW
2015*
We may describe Nagara’s style as flamboyant, extraordinary
and yet simple. What is more, his designs are exotic. For
instance, his 2014 collection was inspired by his travels
to India. Hence, the designs are very colourful, oriental and
many different fabrics are combined and mixed together. Nagara
uses exotic materials like peacock feathers and native Indian
floral prints. His recent collection is called ‘The Floating
World’ and was featured at the Bangkok International Fashion
Week 2015. This collection distinctively combines Japanese
elements with a flamboyant design.
Yaya Urassaya Sperbund at the Bangkok International
Fashion Week 2015*
Our popular models Urassaya Sperbund and Nadech Kugimiya
presented these marvellous and amazing designs among others.
Finally, we may say that Nagara is Thailand’s most renowned
fashion designer with good reason. His designs are extravagant
and they combine Western and Eastern elements.
Yours, Sirinya
(All pictures in this post, photo credit: Nagara Naga, FB
page)