Since ancient times, diverse customs and traditions of art in Southeast Asia such as Japanese woodblock prints and Javanese batik have been utilised. Inspired by this culture, the Sirivannavari & S'Homme spring/summer collection titled "The Rise Of Asian" was unveiled in a fashion show held last Monday evening at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon.
"The meaningful symbols of Asian culture were brought to my attention and integrated with the maison's semi-couture and futuristic tailoring technique. As a final touch, the collection incorporates the detail of Asian arts, otherworldly twists, to create a sense of femininity and modernity," said HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the creative director and founder of Sirivannavari Bangkok.
"As a way of paying homage to Asian culture and arts, symbolic details have been delicately reanimated. In particular, I introduced a new alluring shape of peplum blouse in toile; a tulle blouse intricately embellished with an iconic crane; sky cloud blue faded tie-dye denim collection echoing local Thai tie-dye technique; and of course, an interwoven leather skirt with the ancient Thai floral Pi-koon motif."
The fashion show commenced with a selection of Japanese designs, featuring a white silk jacket with koi embroidered motifs and an interwoven leather skirt with fringe details. Other designs include a brocade jacket paired with wide-legged pants in beige; a peplum top inlaid with crane motifs in gold silk paired with biker pants; a neon green draped cocktail dress embellished with white lace at the hem; and an off-shoulder evening gown in salmon and ivory silk with a dramatic bow at the waistline.
For the finale, the show presented a bridal gown in white lace accentuated with multilayer crinoline and tulle. The spotlight shone on the marvellous embroidery of the Sirivannavri Atelier and Academy. The maison's exquisite craftsmanship in couture embroidery was clearly visible, from intricate gold-threaded embellishments to encrusted sequin elements and beads on the delicate tulle and brocade. Besides the feathered Pi-koon, there were other embroidered motifs such as koi on fuchsia and amethyst silk moiré and cranes on tulle and silk.
Still, graphic prints -- a key element of the brand's DNA -- remain a highlight as the Princess has created a signature print for this season. Drawn from her personal sketches, this print features a collage of the Engimono, the Japanese symbol of luck such as chrysanthemum (wealth), crane (longevity) and woman (empowerment). This Engimono print could be seen from a silk dress with a 3D drapery detail at the waistline.
Meanwhile, Javanese-inspired batik prints featuring S motifs are incorporated throughout the collection, from ready-to-wear items such as one shoulder blouse with an asymmetrical skirt in vibrant hues to a bolero jacket with Capri pants. Moreover, the new maison monogram titled "Horseshoe" was introduced in a new line of swimwear and accessories.
Another highlight is the Bijoux Collection, which seamlessly blends Asian details with the maison's iconic emblems, including cranes, peacocks, keypad lock, coral, wave and the S logo. Characterised by semi-precious stones such as opal, malachite, carnelian and freshwater pearl, this fashion jewellery collection represents effortless grace and true individuality.
Notable designs include earrings adorned with freshwater pearl, a coral-shaped charm inlaid with enamel, a fascinating S logo charm, a golden metal bangle encrusted with opals and crystals, earrings, and golden metal body chains.
The everyday looks are complemented by the brand's Italian leather goods. This season's signature bag takes on an edgy and glamorous attitude. The slouchy boho bag comes in tricolour with orange, blue and white, while the two-way carry bag with interchangeable straps is accentuated by the stripe quilting technique. The boxy handbag with a veneer wooden top handle and interwoven bamboo strips in the S motif is marked with a special laser-cut technique. The plaswood fan-shaped bag is in the limelight as well.
This season offers a few new styles for the women's shoe collection, including espadrilles in the Horseshoe monogram; two-tone loafers with fringe and stud details; new strappy high heels with mesh detail; silk satin stilettos in yellow, taro and metallic pink with layered S logo heels.
Meanwhile, the eyewear collection presents a surprisingly foldable hexagonal-shaped frame, made using the finest acetate. The new line of sunglasses is available in five colours -- noir, pearl, tortoise, cobalt and taupe.
From a total of 53 looks, eight featured in the S'Homme menswear, which celebrates the refinement of a gentleman. Essential patterns are drawn upon and given a modern twist. Key looks include a batik shirt matched with drawstring batik pants; a sky cloud blue faded tie-dye denim jacket, paired with Bermuda shorts in azure blue, and a Javanese-inspired batik suit.
An inlaid batik coat in emerald green with drawstring detail at the waistline was worn over a navy shirt and batik pants, while a baby blue asymmetrical double-breasted blazer was complemented with blue and white stripe pants.
Men's leather goods encompass tote and duffle bags in monogram canvas; interwoven clutches in the Pi-koon motif, including espadrilles, lace-up shoes and loafers available in black, blue and taro with a metal peacock logo. Also, this season's menswear collection is complemented with a wide array of fashion accessories, ranging from rings, lapel pins, and cuff links to neckties and pocket squares.
"The Rise Of Asian", a Sirivannavari & S'Homme spring/summer 2022 collection, is available at the Sirivannavari Boutique on the 1st floor of Siam Paragon.
