Siam Center came back stronger than ever yesterday with a re-opening party attended by top Thai celebs and even a few A-listers from America.
“Sawasdee ka,” shouted American R&B singer Keri Hilson, who was invited to perform at the event exclusively for industry leaders, business partners, brand owners and media crews.
“I’ve only been here since this morning but I really want you to know that Thailand has the swag,” she added.
Keri pulled some audience members up to the stage to move their hips to her hit single “Pretty Girl Rock” before closing the set with “Knock You Down.”
Despite the fact that yesterday’s event was merely a primer for the Grand Opening on Friday, Siam Piwat – the giant Thai developer that owns Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and Paradise Park – managed to indulge thousands of local visitors and celebrities with imported entertainment all night long.
“Come on, Thailand. Here we go,” said Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo with his head nodding and his hands scratching records.
Clad in orange and denim, the founding member of the hip-hop group started off with ”Boom Boom Pow” at around midnight. He kept the crowd dancing throughout the DJing performance with several other hits, including “Shut Up,” “My Hump,” “I Gotta Feeling,” “The Time (Dirty Bit),” “Meet Me Halfway” and “Where Is The Love”.
The concert had run non-stop prior to Keri and Taboo’s sets, featuring various Thai artists including Groove Rider’s Burin Boonvisut, Bie KPN, Patcha AF and Max The Voice.
But the main highlight was the appearance of world-renowned celebrities who flew in to celebrate the rejuvenation of the four-decade-old shopping mall. “I came here last night. Today, I’ve seen how much work has been done,” said Adrien Brody, who won an Oscar for his role in The Pianist.
Standing next to Adrien was Korean heartthrob Kim Bum, who raised his glass when the emcees were counting down. “I am happy to be here and to receive massive support from Thai fans,” the Boys Over Flowers TV star said.
Apart from indoor activities, outside visitors were kept entertained with “The Illumination of Light, a show of mixed media full of light, color and sound.” Created by Jiro Endo, a Japanese lighting designer, the show will run again on its Grand Opening Day every half an hour from 7pm.
After the five-month refurbishing, Siam Piwat has brought new stores and activities to the mall to ensure that it’s an industry leader. Superdry, a Japanese street wear brand, and Unilever’s Magnum Café, are two of many who opened their first flagship shops here. Other existing brands have committed to launch new lines of products exclusively for Siam Center.
With THB1 billion invested in common facilities and infrastructure, the four-story mall is being hailed as Thailand’s “biggest collaborative retail initiative ever,” according to Siam Pitak’s PR. The interiors and exteriors of the mall have been upgraded, but many of the stores remain the same.
In an attempt to convince art-savvy hipsters that Siam Center is where art, fashion, technology and lifestyle collide, they’re currently hosting a Pop Culture Art Exhibition to showcase original prints from iconic pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The Anatomy of Black, a fashion exhibition jointly put together by Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons and Issey Miyake, is also available on the first floor.
On Siam Center’s Grand Opening Day this Friday, Gossip Girl stars Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick will walk down the red carpet to meet with Thai fans. The so-called “Ideaopolis” will also feature British recording artist Taio Cruz, who is known for his chart-topping hit “Dynamite.” And on the third floor, which has been christened “Fashion Vishionary,” fashion flash mobs will take place every 15 minutes.
See you there!
