Revisiting India during the British Raj, Maison Sirivannavari has reinterpreted colours, shapes and exquisite handicrafts and woven them into the Tapestries of Dreams collection for spring/summer 2023.
The Maison's 39 looks along with S'Homme's eight were presented in a fashion show held recently at Royal Paragon Hall in Siam Paragon.
Creative director HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya says designing each collection is pragmatic experimentation. The latest exercise traces back to 1858-1947 -- a period of direct British rule over the Indian subcontinent.
The designs are inspired by Indian craftsmanship and executed for the attire of maharajas and maharanis with lavish colours and opulent details, inimitable textiles as well as sculptures with delicate reliefs.
Fabrics for this collection range from chiffon and jacquard to moiré and silk satin while the palette includes pastels, yellow and pink gold, as well as colours of gems such as ruby, amethyst and carnelian.
Exploring India's rich and diverse cultures offered an opportunity to experiment with various materials and playfully use them on garment structures.
The silhouettes recall traditional Indian clothing. The sari, for instance, is even more stylish as a satin draped dress with embellished embroidery. The collarless kurta has been reinterpreted with the pattern of the signature Iris jacket.
Embroidered pomegranates adorn an Iris jacket worn with pants while a jacquard Iris jacket with raffia embroidery is matched with a gold-fringed midi skirt. Cropped tops and mini dresses also feature fringes that flutter following the wearer's movement.
Weaving and embroidery techniques convey the gracefulness of the motifs from drawings by the Princess.
Sirivannavari Atelier and Academy worked on elaborate embroideries and metallic inserts as well as adorning mini dresses with crystals or beads.
A chic silver-white short dress, a pink-metallic strapless top and the sleeves of a black Iris jacket feature macramé knots.
Ingenious draping techniques are particularly used for evening dresses, such as a sequin deep V-neck gown in light gold and an embroidered ivory chiffon gown.
Beachwear includes a cutout ruched swimsuit in Aurora print and a Maya padded-shoulder swimsuit with velvet stripes in dark grey, burgundy or gold.
As for S'Homme menswear, the silhouette of the Nehru kurta (British Raj safari jacket) is elongated into smart outerwear.
A silver jacquard Nehru kurta with embellished embroidery is co-ordinated with straight-leg pants while a beige safari jacket boasts raffia embroidery details.
The Patrina print appeals on a sheer trench coat worn over a matching long shirt and knee-length pants.
Besides the ready-to-wear pieces, the Tapestries of Dreams collection includes bags, shoes, jewellery and sunglasses, available at the Sirivannavari flagship store on the 1st floor of Siam Paragon as well as King Power Complex Rangnam.
