If you love shopping Bangkok is the ideal place for you, many tourists visit Thailand’s capital city JUST to shop. The huge, shiny, air-conditioned shopping malls Siam Discovery, MBK, Central World, and Siam Paragon are all found in the Siam district, connected by convenient walkways. Others centres such as the more boutique Emporium is found in Sukhumvit. I was initially put off by these overwhelming stores housing many international designers, but if you look hard you can discover local brands that are inspiring and interesting.
In Paragon Department Store, within the Paragon complex, I found Sretsis… Sretsis is a collaboration between Pim Sumhahuta and her two sisters, Kly and Matina. The brand name is sisters spelled backwards and represents the strong bond they have. Sretsis creator and lead designer Pim Sukhahuta graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York in 2003 already with a store, two fashion shows, and a covetable internship with Marc Jacobs to her name. Her achievement with this successful and innovative brand is testament to her talent and vision.
Pim’s eclectic East meets West background and studies are realised in her colourful and imaginative designs. The flamboyant clashing patterns and excessive frills of previous collections reminded me of the bold but pretty designs by Brit, Luella. This season Sretsis presents ‘Children of the Stars’ for Spring / Summer 2014. A collection of quirky and girly ready-to-wear clothes and whimsical, imaginative accessories. Thin tops are adorned with glistening chunky rhinestone crystals, whilst flimsy playsuits are made from tropical exotic silks and edged in lace. The shop was quite simply my dream wardrobe. Accessories can be found in one corner of the shop, heart shaped sunglasses, and studded sparkling rings. I couldn’t resist getting the green heart ring, which seemed reasonable, costing £40. Most garments cost between £70-200.
Sretsis is a breath of fresh air in the suffocating streets of Bangkok. Psychedelic prints, delicate designs and a lot of personality… I fell in love with the whole collection.
Visit the Sretsis website for more information and to see the whole collection: www.sretsis.com