Someone had an amazing idea with Terminal 21. A market – tons of shops, good deals, bargain-ability – combined with the air-con and orderly spaciousness of a mall. Top it off with a cohesive, albeit annoying, theme, throw in some amusing statues and it’s Instagrammer heaven. Unfortunately, everyone posing for pictures and not shopping means a high turnover for shops. So, social media addicts: please stop blocking the walkways to imitate sumo-wrestling poses and check out these Thai fashion brands instead.
Mosstories
Designer Chatkeo “Moss” Srisuwan, opened Mosstories in 2006 in order to tell, “the stories of nature, culture, arts, fashion and lifestyle of urban city people.” The brand focuses on whimsical handmade costume jewelry and funky but comfortable shoes sturdy enough for Bangkok sidewalks and trendy enough to go from the office tower to Thonglor. Founded in Siam Square in 2006, the brand recently branched out to Terminal 21 (Tokyo floor) and Zen Central World. Mosstories’ chunky, neon bib necklaces have even been featured in Vogue Italia. Prices are affordable with shoes and necklaces averaging THB1,590.
Beige
For a brand named after what some would argue is the most boring of colors, Beige has a lot going on. Using draped, layered and tailored neutrals, including a lot of white and black, the Thai brand has created collections that are feminine, edgy and sophisticated. Find über trendy bra tops to layer under pastel sheer cardigans and matching wide leg pants. This is the hot place to get your all-white outfit right now. A location on the Parisian floor of Terminal 21 means prices are a bit higher, ranging from THB2,190 for tops to over THB6,000 for new collection maxi skirts and dresses.
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Backyard Store
Backyard is filled with soft fabrics, oversized T-shirts, flowy button downs and cotton eyelet dresses that would fit perfectly in a backyard BBQ, complete with home brewed beer and someone playing the guitar. Too bad backyards don’t exist in the city and the only home brew we have is the neighborhood yaa dong vendor. With roots in Chatuchak (where they still have a store) the casual vintage vibe is heavy in their designs. Their Terminal 21 shop, located on the Tokyo floor, also has an extensive costume jewelry collection priced from THB320 for rings to THB680 for long chain necklaces. Clothing ranges from under THB500 for t-shirts to THB2,250 for blazers and dresses.
Nama Denim
This new Thai menswear brand focuses on two of Bangkok’s biggest denim trends: raw denim selvedge jeans and chambray shirts (often worn together, as seen on Bradley Cooper and Thai hipsters everywhere). Thailand is becoming a hub for denimheads (have you noticed all the red selvedge peeking out cuffed jeans lately?) who go to great lengths to turn raw jeans into a work of art over months of wear. The fades, wrinkled ‘whiskers’ and pocket imprints create a one of a kind pair that fits like a glove. Lazy guy bonus: these jeans don’t need washing for the first year. Nama, Japanese for “raw,” provides the blank canvas of quality denim made from vintage looms in Japan and hand sewn in Thailand. On the London floor of Terminal 21, Nama’s jeans start at THB2,800 while chambray, plaid and oxford shirts start at THB990.
Tiger Seven & Mini Mani
The designer behind Tiger Seven must spend a lot of time in Fuji UFM Supermarket or lunching at Emporium because she seems to be inspired by Japanese housewife fashion. Still, Tiger Seven, located on Terminal 21’s Tokyo floor, puts a youthful twist on it. The result is simple, classic pieces in flattering shapes, good for going from freezing air-con to the searing heat. Look for timeless pieces like striped boatneck t-shirts, printed cotton halter-tops, sundresses, and trendy vertical striped pants. Prices range from THB590 for t-shirts to THB2,490 for pants, but there’s always something on sale.
