Local Thai designer Bow Monrissa Leenutaphong is daring girls to wear “Nothing, just Skin On Skin”. This is the catchy response that Bow asks her patrons and fans to reiterate in a short film she’s making that captures girls wearing her Skin On Skin designs. Although it may sound like we have a case of The Emperor’s New Clothes on our hands, we assure you there’s plenty of fabric used in this up-and-coming fashion line.
Launched at the end of 2011, Skin On Skin was created by the UK trained designer and stylist Bow. In her first collection we saw the use of sheer chiffon and silk materials that created a light and airy look when worn by petite girls. For those who are familiar with Bow’s personal style, it’s clear that her fashion line matches with what she loves to wear. All of the pieces look most flattering on girls who share her slender, model-esque frame. Some of the tops also came with details such as changeable bands of fish and snake skin directly falling in line with the concept of Skin on Skin. According to Bow, “Skin On Skin is crafted for ladies who love dressing up, yet looking remarkably relaxed; for someone who really knows how to look good and sophisticated without trying too hard. Ultimately the importance is that she appears casually comfortable in her own skin. In our tradition… elegant women are those who genuinely look comfortable inside out.”
The latest collection of Skin On Skin was launched simultaneously with the grand opening of the fashion brand’s first retail store. The location may seem a bit unusual as it sits on the 3rd floor of Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), which is more like an art museum or gallery. However, BACC is beginning to evolve into a more retail shopping space with Bow’s storefront being the first of its kind to appear there. The exceptional location certainly adds to the brand identity and uniqueness of her fashion label. She describes it as place where women celebrate artistic sophistication and style through her clothes.
Collection 2.0 features some similar cuts from the first series, but it comes with a much edgier appeal. Bow describes the new collection as being “energetic and bubbly”. From the looks of it, the camouflage pants and animal print hoodies were definitely made for girls with an extra dash of attitude. Her “Loso” stretchy dresses boldly make fun of Thailand’s obsession with the “Hiso” scene. Besides comfortable casual wear, Bow has also designed some eye-catching evening dresses made with cascading silk chiffon that reveal a bit of skin in the midriff area, again designed for the confident girl who can pull it off. Most recently the designer and stylist has been working on newer versions of her famous feathered dresses that have hand-sewn embellishments of feathers and metallic beads. The step-by-step work and other fashion related news can be found on Skin On Skin’s Facebook page. Bow is currently travelling through London, the city that first inspired her to venture into the world of fashion as a career. We’re sure she will return with lots of new ideas for Skin On Skin!
