Back to the ‘70s

Season after season, at least one fashion era will be brought back and reinterpreted in a modern style. Fall/winter 2015 sees touches of the late-1960s-1970s speak loudest, with retro looks from power suits and bell bottom pants to jumpsuits and floral prints. Milin Yuvacharaskul’s Swinging Darling collection takes inspiration from London of the 1960s, with highlights including the post-hippie wide-pants disco jumpsuit. The style can also be seen in Sretsis’s Labyrinth collection, with items like floral-print bell-bottom trousers—especially when they come in saturated colors.

Modern Mondrian 

It’s not checks or plaid that stand out in in this season’s graphic prints, but rather straight line compositions akin to YSL’s classic Mondrian collection. One example appears in The Only Son’s interpretation of the work of Swiss architect and graphic designer Max Bill, with a collection that features straight lines and colorful graphic designs as its main prints. The reduction of building details to a composition of straight lines also appears in ASV’s NY-inspired Constructivism collection, while Shaka’s Routine collection interprets the urban woman’s daily lifestyle through checks.

Wrap UP 

Forget the high-waisted smock dresses this season. Diane von Furstenberg-style wrap dresses are one option for casual wear, but Asava’s Mahattan collection offers something even more interesting. Inspired by the trench-coat, wrap patterns play a big part in this collection, adding masculinity to women’s work-wear, whether in jumpsuits, blouses or jackets. The mood has also been carried through to Asava’s second line, ASV. 

Ladies in Red 

Talking about single colors, Red is most definitely hot right now, but pick dark shades like maroon and burgundy. Kloset’s whole collection is played out in a red color palette, inspired by the song “Love is a Losing Game” by Amy Winehouse. Cliched elements like XO prints and a queen playing cards are combined with Winehouse lyrics and other quotes stitched to every piece in the collection.

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Never-ending Bohemian 

Explorer, bohemian and ethnic-inspired styles have been on local and international runways for longer than just this season. The trend hasn’t gotten stale in F/W ’15, thanks to the Africa-inspired collection of Curated by Ek Thongprasert, in which prints, embroidered details and earth tones play a big part for both sexes. Similarly, the Sretsis Labyrinth collection refers to an imaginary journey inside an unknown forest, resulting in bohemian patterns and heavy use of fringe. Greyhound Original also uses fringe details in its women’s pieces.

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Sophisticated Boy

As womenswear becomes more masculine, Thai designers are also adding more feminine details to menswear in the form of warm colors and soft prints. Greyhound Original’s fall/winter collection, Collage History, celebrates the brand’s 35th anniversary by playing with previous collections’ patterns but mixing them with different fabrics like a paper collage. The collage creates illusory details that inject a new spirit into the same old pieces. Illusive graphic prints are also the main focus of Painkiller’s Optical Illusion collection, only with more of a street-style in items like sweatshirts, jumpers and sweatpants.

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Q&A

Monthinee Chiengsong, 

Executive Editor and Digital Media Director at Elle Thailand 

 

What is the hottest womenswear trend this season?

I think 1970s makes the boldest comeback this season, as seen on global runways in Paris, Milan and London. The difference is that it’s back full-scale, not just a touch of bohemian detail. Most brands aren’t just presenting loose patterns or floral prints, but also using ’70s embroidery and luxurious materials. If you’re not into girlie style, then there are also androgynous pieces that channel glam rock and David Bowie. Women in matching suits is another look you’ll see a lot this season. 

 

What’s the must-have item? 

Capes and blanket jackets are key to giving your normal tee and jeans some attitude. But make sure you pick light and loose fabrics to fit Bangkok’s heat. 

 

The hottest color? 

This season is more about material than a single color. Wool is hot for global runways, as is velvet and patchwork prints.

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Vanit Tohsanguanpun,

Head of Design at Wardrobe Ministry  

 

What is the hottest menswear trend this season?

Casual suiting. Whether it’s a tailored suit or blazer, the key is to tone down the formality of your look, like completing it with sneakers. Shoe brands like Common Projects can be picked to match with jeans and a blazer.

 

What’s the must-have item? 

Jackets in blue shades and white-to-stone trousers are two essentials for the upcoming season. These shades can now replace your jeans but be aware; it’s not khaki. For the jacket, pick shades brighter than navy and you’ll be safe. Wear these two together or separately, both are fine.   

 

The hottest color?

White, gray and blue. For me, the color of the year is definitely blue, but we’re now stepping away from classic navy and towards electric blue, royal blue and pale blue. Fabric texture is also important. We’re not looking for solid colors anymore but rather interesting textures like Donegal wool or faded checked patterns on shirts or suits. Indigo-dye is a hit, too. It has a unique character and dimension to it.  

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Essentials 

Greyhound. 2/F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-644-8664. BTS Phrom Phong 

Painkiller. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1145. BTS Siam

Kloset. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1729. BTS Siam 

The Only Son. 2/F, Gaysorn Shopping Centre, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1388. BTS Phloen Chit

ASAVA and ASV. 2/F, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 099-058-4690. BTS Phrom Phong 

Shaka. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1109. BTS Siam 

Curated by Ekthongprasert. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1705. BTS Siam 

Poem. 2/F, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong 

Sretsis. 2/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5874. BTS Phloen Chit 

Milin. 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1134. BTS Siam 

Senada. 2/F, The Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 084-919-1065. BTS Phrom Phong

Issue. Siam Square Soi 3, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-4416. BTS Siam

Vickteerut. 2/F, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 085-072-6806. BTS Phrom Phong