There’s a lot of talk about Thai designers, but what about Thailand’s answer to H&M, Forever21, GAP and Uniqlo? I know we were only recently blessed with the presence of these internationally beloved fashion behemoths, but despite their many benefits, such as keeping the world’s sweatshops in business, their existence in Bangkok has brought my worst fear to life – being caught wearing exactly the same in-trend black and white pencil skirt, on the same day, at the same office, in the same meeting. Thank you H&M.
Let’s branch out, shall we? Here’s a new crop of homegrown brands to give Bangkok an affordable fast fashion fix.
DA+PP
DA+PP is the offshoot of the Thai fashion brand Dapper, which has been churning out basics and business wear since 1979. Now, DA+PP brings the Dapper name into the twenty-first century (it’s about time) with (ironically) a vintage inspired look.
The Style: The Spring Summer 2013 collection Backyard Wonder is all flower prints and embroidery, oxford shoes, chambray denim and contrasting peter pan collars. Flowing palazzo pants and some comfortable-looking cotton maxi dresses round out the breezy boho look. Men can expect checked shorts suits, cuffed denim shorts in earth tones, button down chambrays and striped cotton shirts for a more preppy vibe. (Chunky plastic glasses, pee mak-style hair and ukulele sold separately.)
DA+PP can be found in 15 locations across Thailand.
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Misty Mynx
Misty Mynx opened at Mega Bangna late last year to much fanfare. To quote their definitive Facebook About blurb, Misty Mynx is the newest “lifestyle brand for sassy modern women” from the successful JASPAL Group. I’m not sure what that means, because last I checked lifestyles vary greatly among sassy, modern women such as myself. Rawrrrr.
The Style: Upon further research it turns out that this means trendy, comfortable clothes that take you from work to play to exercise and even to bed. The look is beachy and sporty, complete with a sunglass collection, floppy sun hats, bikini coverups and matching floral tops and shorts. Well, that weekend trip to Koh Samet just packed itself, now didn’t it!
Misty Mynx’s full collection can be viewed at their website.
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Royal Ivy Regatta
Royal Ivy Regatta is Misty Mynx’s preppy boyfriend who takes her for joyrides on his long-tail yacht down the Chao Phraya and weekend getaways at the Hampton. That would be The Hampton condo in Thonglor, not the Hamptons in New York. This menswear label, also from the JASPAL Group, launched at Mega Bangna last year and is now found at several locations
The Style: Quality fabrics that rival the original American prepster brand Abercrombie & Fitch at prices affordable for Bangkok. Nautica minus the sporty vibe. It’s for guys who belong to Yacht clubs in Pattaya and attend “the polo” in Hua Hin, or at least want to look like they do. Spend around THB1,190 for plain t-shirts and THB2,190 for jeans and pants. But sales happen often so check their Facebook page for updates.
For more information and to ogle Chuck Bass-lookalike models go to their website.
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McPink
Mc Pink moves away from the traditional image of Mc Jeans for the trendy, hip image that only waiflike European models can provide. The strategy of this new fashion label is to go local, opening 9 branches in 2013 at Seacon Square, Central Chaengwattana and, interestingly, the Chiang Mai airport, among others.
The Style: Not just pink, as you may assume. Look for girlie denim pieces like A-line skirts, skinny jeans and high-waisted shorts along with the usual floral culprits, tie-up shirts, trendy off the shoulder T-shirts and a smattering of sparkly dresses. Prices range from THB490 for T-shirts to THB2,000 for dresses, but something tells us this brand is already on sale.
The Mc Pink newly minted Facebook page has updates on store openings.
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Workshop
Workshop isn’t brand spanking new (it’s been around since 2008), but it’s recently expanded its presence with the exhibition of the Spring Summer collection at Siam Center last month and pop-up stores as far and wide as Fashion Island and Terminal 21.
The Style: So eclectic I thought it was a multi-label store, a la Urban Outfitters, when I first entered. With the SS13 collection, it’s becoming a coherent brand. Spring Summer 2013’s Tropical Mist is full of sporty separates, bold tropical printed suits, slouchy oversized T-shirts and sheer accents. Expect to shell out a little more Baht here: bags start at THB1,990, shirts THB4,990, new collection dresses can run as much as THB12,990.
Check for updates about sales and pop-ups on their Facebook page.
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Photos: Tara Chanapai
