Hat

A collaboration between three friends from three different décor brands—studiobo, o-d-a and TAKEHOMEDESIGN—Hat does furniture and décor with emphasis on wood and splases of bold colors: wooden hat/jacket hangers with contrasting tones like red, orange and blue, wooden stools with painted seats and spiraling wooden lamps, chairs and shelves. We particularly like their minimal and innovative designs accomplished through the use of different wood tones and curved liness. Accessories and chairs start from B3,000.
4/F (Room Concept Store), Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0410.www.facebook.com/hathome

Roi-In

Founded in 2005, Roi-In does sofas, day beds and chairs with the emphasis squarely on what they call an “overlooked common material,” wood. Their products stick to three main principles: old wood as the core material, modern contemporary designs and an absence of decorative elements. Think boat sofas with navy cushions, old wood sofas with steel legs, and day beds with canvas fabric. Sofas start from B39,000, day beds from B55,000 and tables from B28,000.
116/7, Soi Prasarnmitr Sukhumvit 23, 02-662-0132. www.roi-in.co.th

Oggi

Founded in 2006, Oggi’s minimal wooden decor has not only drawn international attention to local design but also won the brand multiple awards, such as the Good Design and DEMark awards. Focusing on pieces like coffee tables, chairs, work tables and storage boxes, what sets Oggi apart is its use of beautifully-patterned wood and its understated, contemporary design. Coffee tables start from B9,000, chairs from B5,000 and work tables from B12,000. Do call ahead before visiting their showroom.
Ladprao Soi 71, Ladprao Rd., 087-700-5401. www.oggi-living.com

Ugly Cute

Ugly Cute does chairs and wood-themed home décor that are, infact, pretty darn cute. The shop’s belief that leftover wood can be reborn as something desirable sees recycled maple, oak and beech used in small chairs, stools and decorative items like clocks, wall hooks, storage boxes, lamps and stationery holders. The real highlights, though, are the quirky themed items like the cookie magnet clock or the robot storage box, as well as the different shades of wood used in each piece. Chairs start from B4,800, stools from B3,200, wall clocks from B960 and lamps from B2,800.
2/F, Crystal Design Center (Bldg D), Praditmanutham Rd., 02-102-2266.

Studio 248

Founded in 2010, Studio 248 is all about Scandinavian-style minimal furniture made primarily from ash wood and oak. Awarded the DEMark award in 2012, the shop’s three designers, Jit, Golf and Purim, created a range of chairs, closets, coffee tables and storage boxes. What really impresses us is the subtle use of color and other materials in pieces like the leaning fruit bowl (B2,200) which combines an unusual shape and steel touches. Chairs start from B3,000, closets from B19,000 and coffee tables from B3,000. For now, their products are only available online, but they’re opening a showroom in Ekkamai soon.
www.studio248.com, order online at info.studio248.com
 

What inspired you to start this bike service?
My friends and I loved to ride bicycles after work, so we thought, why not try to set up a bike messenger service just like how mail used to be delivered in the old days. We want people to be able to trust us with their belongings and to prove that bicycles are practical in the city.

How do you train to be a bike messenger in Bangkok?
Our training includes riding analysis, safety instruction and other skills. It’s not just about getting an object from A to B, we’re delivering feelings and sentimental value from one person to another. For instance we delivered flowers on Valentine’s Day, so we have to present them nicely and pay attention to how the person receiving it reacts, so that we can let the sender know.

Is riding in Bangkok practical?
Yes, but you do need lots of skill. You have to know the road conditions, shortcuts, different sois and footpaths, as well as be able to assess the situation to know the fastest route. We all share our experiences on the road after each delivery and that’s how we improve our service.

Why not just use a motorcycle messenger?
We use a bicycle for the different feeling it gives us. But believe it or not, we’re either as fast or faster than most motorcycles. We might not be capable of the same speeds, but we’re more agile. Plus, using a bicycle helps decrease energy consumption, pollution and traffic while boosting our own health.

What qualifications do you need to be a bike messenger?
First you have to pass our test, and then we’ll take you in to train with us. We’re serious about picking a member because we have to make sure that person will be very unlikely to get into an accident. There needs to be teamwork and punctuality. If you’re late, this affects the next rider waiting.

How much do you charge?
We divide locations into different zones, which radiate from Sathorn. Prices start from B90.

231/2, South Sathorn Rd., 086-994-1301. www.facebook.com/BikeXenger

Road Bike

Where to Buy

Pro Bike

Road bikes from B18,000. 237/2, Ratchadamri Rd,. 02-253-3384.

Km.8 Bicycle Shop

Road bikes from B15,300
295 Ramintra Rd., 02-510-3525.

Where to Ride

Benchakitti Park

Beginners can take off the training wheels at this bike-friendly park, where you’re most likely to find other riders, especially on weekends. Sukhumvit between Soi 22-24, 02-262-0810.

The "Local Road" (parallel to Vipawadi Rangsit Rd.)

This long road is ideal for speed tests and distance riding.

Mountain Bike

Where to Buy

En-Bike

Mountain bikes from B13,000. Phaholyothin Soi 87, Phaholyothin Rd., 02-992-3149.

XC-Life

Mountain bikes from B11,900. 101/4 (before Siwalee Village), Ratchapruek Rd., 080-088-5888.

Where to Ride

Bangkhuntien

This road is known for its scenic views of the mangrove forest, perfect for both beginners and professional mountain bikers.

Samut Prakarn

Known as one of the best locations to get your mountain bike dirty, a ride here lets you cut through parts of a mangrove forest as well as test that suspension along the dirt trails.

BMX

Where to Buy

Rodfai Market

www.bmx2home.com

www.rollyas.com

BMX from B6,200

Where to Ride

Old City Hall

BMX riders usually start their rounds here, call it a BMX HQ if you will.

King Chulalongkorn Monument

This place is a gathering spot for all types of bike riders, BMX riders usually come after 7pm.

Khao San Road

Those alleys off Khao San Road are the perfect place to try out your BMX tricks, while showing off to the girls at the bars.

Fixed Gear Bikes

Where to Buy

Rodfai Market (secondhand fixies) Kampaengpetch Rd., 086-126-7787.
Sealee Urban (shop)
Fixed gears from B15,000
2044/1, New Phetburi Rd., 086-334-0660.
Fixgabike (made-to-order)
Fixed gears from B4,800
314 Prachatipok Rd., 089-836-3489.
Km.8 Bicycle Shop
Fixed gears from B4,000
295 Ramintra Rd., 02-510-3525.

Where to ride:

Suan Luang Park

The vast space at Suan Luang Park makes it easy for you to practice riding if you’re a beginner. No worries even if you don’t have brakes—you probably won’t run into people here.

Rattanakosin Island

With its bicycle lane and scenic views, the Rattanakosin Island is a must for fixie rides especially as there are very few cars.

Road Bike

Aran Kamonchan, owner of Aran Bicicletta Cicli & Cafe

I opened a bike café in Soi Ari (Phaholyothin 7) and we’ve been gathering more and more people that enjoy riding bicycles ever since. We also have a cycling team called “Aran Bicicletta Cycling Club."

When I was in Melbourne, my friends and I always rode our bikes to house parties and concerts. It was always a fun ride and someone usually fell off their bike.
Riding with others allows you to expand your knowledge about bikes together. We work on our bikes together, ride together, eat together, and basically live together, especially within our team.

Our beloved city wasn’t designed with bicycles in mind. Motorists also don’t expect to see bicyclists sharing the same road as them. There are no rules relating to how people should ride in Bangkok and how motorists should share the road with cyclists.

I dream of riding along the coast of Australia on the Great Ocean Road. It has such beautiful views and the road is super smooth.
The most difficult thing about riding a road bike is to really clear your mind and just enjoy the view and the ride; having fun, making jokes.

Get to know your machine well before going out on a big ride, and always ride with caution.

I’d recommend riding along the so-called “Local Road,” parallel to Vipawadi-Rangsit Road. But be prepared; bring lots and lots of lights if you ride at night, as we do on Tuesday night, since it’s quite dark. It’s a long and narrow route that we head to when we want to get up some speed.

Community

Life Cycling Bangkok

Founded a year ago and sponsored by Singha, the Life Cycling Bangkok is a bike club made up of celebrities, including Burin Boonvisut, Dome Pakornlum and Janesuda Parnto. Other than the usual meetings, the club also runs CSR projects with donations going to various charities. And guess what, you too can stay fit and on trend with a B500/year membership.
www.facebook.com/lifecyclingclub

Café Velodome

Situated at Thammasat Thaprachan campus, Café Velodome does coffee, tea and bakery treats with the owner vowing to make whoever wanders in fall in love with bikes. The place also tends to draw in an older bike crowd (early to mid-30s), compared to the younger fixie hipsters.
Thammasat University (Thaprachan Campus), 2 Prachan Rd., Bangkok, 02-623-6349. www.facebook.com/CafeVelodome

Mountain Bike

Aroon Jirakornkittinun

My first bike experience was on a BMX I rode when I was a kid. Then when we all became obsessed with global warming, I started riding a mountain bike.

I’ve made lots of friends from riding. You get to explore new things and see new places together—and, of course, waste money together buying accessories.
Car drivers in Bangkok lack road etiquette; this limits the chance for others to cycle around the city.

If you want to ride a mountain bike, I’d suggest going to the Train Market, Rama 9 Park or the area around the suburbs like Samut Prakarn where there are fewer cars and bumpy tracks.

Before going on each ride, you have to prepare your body. A good stretch is key since mountain biking requires lots of endurance. Make sure you have all your gear, including water, check your bicycle’s tires and brakes, prepare some food as well as electrolyte drinks to give you a boost as you ride up the mountains.

When I first started riding on mountain bike trails, I fell over a lot, I had bruises all over my body. It was scary but I never thought of quitting.

If you’re a beginner, try practicing under the Ramintra expressway, there are bicycle lanes there as well as some bumpy trails for you to get that mountain bike feel.
Trust me, don’t visit shops or websites too often, you’ll end up obsessing over every new accessory on the market!

Community

Thai Mountain Bike

Although this online community is also open to riders of other types of bikes, Thai Mountain Bike is a renowned go-to source for everything mountain bike, from actual bikes to routes and secondhand accessories.
www.thaimtb.com

Bike Loves

This online community is dedicated specifically to organizing mountain bike trips to locations outside of Bangkok, like Kanchanaburi and Nonthaburi, as well as recommending different routes for real down and dirty mountain bike experiences.
www.bikeloves.com

BMX

Varin Somprasong, founder of the Old School BMX Thailand community

When my friends and I started riding, we were so crazy about it. We would ride until three or four in the morning—or even 8am sometimes!

Riding in a group lets you explore new things. Sometimes we're just looking for a new place to eat together or riding for hours just to get to the perfect spot to see some fireworks.

Riding a BMX makes you healthier. Performing the acrobatic moves takes strength, patience and endurance. It’s also has nostalgic value: every time I get on my BMX, I’m reminded of a time when I was younger, finishing my homework so that I could grab my bike and go ride with my friends.

I founded The Old School BMX Thailand community out of a shared passion with a few friends. Our numbers have grown tremendously, our meetings now reach up to about 50 bikers.

BMX is perfect for a city with crappy roads. It’s easy for you to avoid obstacles and these bikes are made to be quite durable. The downside is that because of the small wheel size, riding long distances just isn’t practical.

If you’re looking for BMX riders, then an easy spot to find us is in front of the old Bangkok City Hall. We start there around 7pm and usually end up at Khao San for some beers.

BMX is a huge commitment; accessories can be hard to find and very pricey. I’ve known people who have had their bike for years before it’s completely finished since they made mistakes buying the wrong parts or just ran out of money.

Community

Old School BMX Thailand

Everything BMX: from where to buy, who to ride with and where, Old School BMX Thailand has you covered.
www.osbmx-thailand.com

BMX 40 Plus

BMX 40 Plus is one of a few BMX communities that encourages BMX racing on BMX tracks and focuses on BMX modifications and accessories. www.bmx40plus.com

Fixed Gear Bikes

Wararat Puapairoj, founder and manager at Velayenn bike shop, guitarist of Flure band

We wanted Velayenn to be a place where everyone could come and kick back and ride together after work, hence the name.
We don’t care which kind of bike you ride, whether it’s a fixie, mountain bike or city bike, everyone is welcome.

Fixed gear bikes are simple and practical. The bikes are highly customizable which allows you to design one to your preference. Maintenance is easy since there are less parts than normal bikes and riding is simple, like an extension of your body.
I took my bike on a plane and got a chance to ride it in Japan and the US. That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done with my bike.

Lots of people think it’s dangerous to ride a bike in Bangkok due to all the cars, but if you know your route, wear safety gear or ride in a group, it really isn’t a problem.
If I could ride anywhere, I’d go for the route used for the Tour de France.

Many fixed gear bikes don’t have brakes, so you have to calculate the distance before you attempt to slow down and be able to think about whether there’s a chance someone could cut you off. It forces you to be cautious and focused.

You can find lots of bikers, and not just fixies, around King Chulalongkorn Monument. It’s a good place to start out for beginners.

The Rattanakosin Island area at night is a great place to ride: the road is beautiful, there are lots of great views and not too many cars.

Community

Velayenn Shop

This famed bicycle joint is more of a bike garage than a café in our opinion (not that it’s a bad thing). And with the owner’s passion for fixed gear rides and the knowledgeable crowd that rides anything from road bikes to city bikes, think of it as a go-to Bike 101 café.
808/15 Soi Thararom 2, Sukhumvit Rd., 080-900-2610. www.facebook.com/velayenn.shop

Fixed Gear is not a Crime (online)

Co-founded by the owner of Sweet Pista Café, this online community is
all about riding together in the hope of changing society's perception of fixed gear as a clichéd trend.  
www.facebook.com/fixedgearIsnotacrime

Sweet Pista

Although the place is a café serving American, Italian and Thai dishes and bakery treats, owner K. Yai is a friendly fixed gear fanatic, so don’t be alarmed by all the fixies parked out front.
Sukhumvit Soi 31, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-662-2866. www.facebook.com/sweetpistabangkok?fref=ts

Make More Friends

Smile Riders Club

Founded by cycling activist Noppakun Dibakomuda, Smile Riders Club is a community that specializes in teaching people how to use bike riding as a genuine form of transportation in the city. Members span bike riders of all different skill and experience levels, from four-year-old boys to aunties. www.facebook.com/groups/smileriders

Night Ride Club

For those not so keen on riding on the city’s hectic streets, the Night Ride Club could be your new best friend. The group is open to bike riders of every type and meets at 6pm every Tuesday and Thursday at parking lot F, Suvarnabhumi Airport. Do away with all the traffic, pollution and bumpy roads, here you get scenic views of the suburbs and the night sky, all enjoyed from a super-smooth, well-lit 13km loop of road around airport. http://www.facebook.com/NightRideClub.BKK

What do you get from practicing yoga?
It makes me tune in, chill out and shape up—all at the same time. It keeps my energy level high so my vitality is still vibrant, like a young person. It works my body so I'm also strong and look younger.

How does it benefit your body?
It decompresses the spine, increases flexibility, strength, stamina, improves body awareness, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, improves circulation, stimulates the immune system and creates a sense of well-being.

What’s hot in yoga?
Aerial yoga, aka YogaFly. I think people are looking more for inspiration than new trends. YogaFly is aerial, it is graceful, it is beautiful. And it gives the possibility for everybody to exercise in such a different way.

How does it differ from other types of yoga?
It is aerial so it requires more space. It is not always on the ground. It is more dynamic. It is a combination of aerial dance, Pilates and acrobatics. It is a real fat burner exercise as we spend lots of energy between exercising—and even laughing sometimes. Even beginners can perform inversion poses so everybody can enjoy, from their very first class, the benefits of the advanced yoga poses.

What is the basic equipment required for practicing yoga at home?
For traditional yoga, you need only a mat and if you are beginner you might need blocks and a strap. For YogaFly you can obtain a YogaFly Hammock kit with all equipment at the Pilates Station Bangkok.

What’s most difficult about yoga?
One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating, things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day. Other people will say that the most difficult thing is to practice controlling their breath, quieting their mind, and moving their body with awareness.

What’s coming next in yoga?
Yoga dance, a choreographed dance based on yoga postures.

Is yoga for everyone?
Traditional yoga is for almost everyone if the instructor is qualified and if the class is not overloaded. YogaFly is also for everybody. However, it is recommended for people with high- and low-blood pressure, serious eye and heart disease to skip the inversion poses.

3/F, Ten Ten Bldg, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-662-3341. BTS Phrom Phong.
 

The Monster headphones founder’s son, Kevin Lee, has teamed up with electro-house DJ, producer and hipster icon Steve Aoki to launch a new headphone label, Sol (Soundtrack of Life) Republic. We gave their latest in-ear model, the Amps HD, a try to see if this new brand has really got soul.
(+)The flat cable doesn’t get tangled up.
(+)The volume remote is conveniently located and comes with a mic
(+) The design of the earphone is nice and bold.
(+)Unlike many in-ears, the ear tips are  comfortable and don’t hurt your ears after long periods of use. They’re a good fit and stay in place even when working out at the gym.
(+)The noticeably punchy bass doesn’t block out vocals, the mid-range isn’t too dry or deep, and the noise cancelation works well even at low volume.
(+) It comes with a rubber case.
(-) The buttons on the remote feel a bit cheap.
(-)The remote is heavy and would’ve been better located further from the ear tips.
(-) Although the Amps HD comes with a new i6 sound engine, the only difference we could sense from the old i4 is the slightly clearer bass.
(-) Sound isolation isn’t bad, but it could’ve been better.

Verdict: The Sol Republic Amps HD has a stylish design, smooth treble and grooving bass. With its B4,190 price tag, the sound comes pretty close to more expensive in-ear models. If you’re into pop, rock, hip hop and electronic music, it’s definitely a solid option. But if you don’t need the enhanced bass and flat cable, the normal Amps model (B2,590) would do just fine.

B4,190 at 3/F (Munkong Gadget), Digital Gateway, Rama 1 Rd., 02-623-4143. BTS Siam.

Hot Hatch

Nissan Pulsar

Specs: 1.6-liter 116 horsepower and 1.8-liter 131 horsepower on four-cylinder 16-valve engine. Five-speed automatic transmission.
Features: Projector headlights, sun roof (only in top model), DVD player with navigation system (only in top model), dual front airbags, multi-information display, rear-view camera, automatic air-con and rear seat air-con, push start function.
Price: B776,000-976,000

New Mercedes A Class (BK Pick!)

Specs: 1.8-Liter 122 horsepower and 2.5-Liter 211 horsepower on four cylinder turbo engine. Seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Features: New automatic head lights, tail lights, daytime LED, transmission, front grille, more air vent on the 2.5-Liter AMG model, new dashboard, six airbag, and attention assist system which warns the driver when the car starts to swirl by emitting warning sound.

Swanky Sedans

Chevrolet Cruze (minor change) (BK Pick!)

Specs: 1.6-liter 109 horsepower, 1.8-liter 141 horsepower, and 2-liter 163 horsepower on four-cylinder 16 valve engine. Five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Features: Automatic headlamps, automatic rain sensor, new push start design, new interior color (burnt brown), four airbags.
Price: B752,000-1.248 million

New Honda Accord

Specs: 2-liter 155 horsepower and 2.4-liter 174 horsepower on four-cylinder 16-valve engine. Five-speed automatic transmission.
Features: New headlights, taillights, daytime LED, dual-zone air-con, push start function, 8-inch screen navigation system (only in top model), LaneWatch blind spot display and a new brake system with automatic brake assertions for front collision and six airbags.
Price: B1.299-1.799 million

City Compact

New Toyota Vios  (BK Pick!)

Specs: 1.5-liter on four cylinder 16-valve engine with 109 horsepower. Four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Features: Projector headlights, automatic air conditioner, dual front airbags, new dashboard, headlights, front grille, taillights.
Price: B559,000-734,000

Ford Eco Sport

Specs: 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 108 horsepower. Five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Features: Ford Sync with voice control, push start function, dual front airbags.
Price: TBA

Fuji Instax Mini 8

Features: Instant film camera, brightness adjustment lamp, high key mode for more exposure and built-in flash
Film: Instax mini film (B300 for 10 shots)
Price: B2,590

Fisheye One Nautic

Features: 170-degree wide angle fisheye lens with built-in flash
Film: 35mm
Price: B2,000

Lomo LCA (classic re-stocked)

Features: Minitar 1 32/2.8mm lens, ISO100-1600 settings and flash mount
Film: 35mm
Price: B9,900

Sprocket Rocket SUPERPOP! Azure

Features: Wide angle panorama lens including sprockets, dual scrolling knobs and flash mount
Film: 35mm
Price: B3,500

Diana Mini White (limited edition)

Features: 24mm lens, exposure setting, 36 square photos (or 72 photos in half-frame mode), Diana +flash
Film: 35mm
Price: B3,100

Essentials

Diana. Order online at lomoken.weloveshopping.com
Fish Eye & Lomo & Sprocket Rocket. Lomography 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0499. BTS Siam.
Fuji. Order online at www.lazada.co.th

Them Shop

Launched in 2012, Them Shop does clothing and accessories with an emphasis on light pastel tones with animal and sea creature motifs. The cut designs on shirts, rings and pins make for great gifts, and a portion of every sale is donated towards the protection of wild animals.
www.facebook.com/THEMshop.animals

Dotlineplain

Dotlineplain stays very true to its name: doing men’s and women’s clothing printed with dots, lines and stripes on plain-colored pieces. With over 18,000 likes after only a few months, their basic designs like striped tops and polka dot dresses at affordable price tags are proving very popular.
www.facebook.com/dotlineplain

Vinita

Awarded 8GG Magazine’s most inspiring brand, Vinita does women’s tops and dresses that balance minimalism and boldness. What got our attention is their classic elegance, which is spiced up with lined patterns and alluring cuts.  
www.facebook.com/vinitabrand

Bagspace

Bagspace does exactly what its name suggests: men’s bags with a focus on practical use of space. Think messengers, totes and backpacks made from genuine leather with minimal designs and hidden compartments.
www.facebook.com/pages/Bagspace-Shop/133635433344265

Angelnista

This online women’s jewelry shop stocks enigmatic designs bordering on sculpture: from moon-themed necklaces to ocean-inspired earrings and ballerina pendants. Most pieces are made from rhodium and clear crystal, with small details and natural tones like turquoise and emerald.
www.facebook.com/AngelnistaTh

Wardrobe Ministry

Started out as an online blog catering to men with preppy predispositions, Wardrobe Ministry is now also a store selling imported men’s apparel from names like Alden, Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece, Florsheim and Ralph Lauren. For those wanting to pull of that Joseph Gordon-Levitt look, this blog and online shop are definitely worth a look.
www.facebook.com/wardrobeministry
 

Sansanee Thoesomboon,

founder/design director of Sane of Molly

How did your brand start?
In Shoreditch, East London, where my inspiration grew. I cherished the freedom with which people there are exposed to culture and sub-culture.
How would you describe your design style?
People say it’s quirky; I guess that’s the stubborn, rock n’ roll side of me playing a role in my design. I’d say my design is "romantic rock," as it combines romance and a raw vintage style with chic touches.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
The Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a futuristic look back at the 80s. It features some graphics that came to me in a vivid dream. The next morning I sketched and created the collection. I like the silhouettes of the 80s. It’s a challenge combining vintage and futuristic touches.
What’s the next big thing?
I think fashion is going back to simplicity. Technology is going to play an important role in it—one day you might just click a remote to change your clothes.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion business?
How you direct your brand identity with the utmost freedom without giving into market demands.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
When I was overdressed at a New Year's Eve countdown house party. My friends told me the dress code was "celebrity" so I went as Marilyn Monroe, but in fact there was no dress code and everyone was very casual. They got me!
What more does our fashion scene need?
I want more designs that stand out and in a variety of styles. Fashion is not only about following… wear fashion rather than let it wear you.
Order online at www.saneofmolly.com

Ekrada Phunatphattharasin,

co-owner of Nisa and Friends

How would you describe your design style?
Colorful imagination yet realistic. Our customers love bright and unique colors.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Flowers, nature and having a crush on someone.
What’s the next big thing?
Something combining lots of materials with futuristic shapes.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion industry?
Trends change so rapidly, whether due to celebrities or magazines.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Donatella Versace.
What’s the silliest fashion trend?
Huge headbands.
What do you want more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
Awesome minimal designs, both patterns and textiles.
Siam Square Soi 3, Rama 1 Rd., 081-705-0555. BTS Siam.

Rudi Jotikasthira,

owner of Rudimentary and Rudi Joti

How did your brand start?
After graduating from the London College of Fashion, I came to a crossroads in my life; call it a quarter-life crisis. The situation was not so great in Europe, with all the talk about recession, so I thought maybe I should start my own label. In the end I packed up my life and moved back to Bangkok.
How would you describe your style?
Rudimentary is all about youthfulness and fun; I want to create objects that are timeless but also feel contemporary, with just a twist of edginess.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
The latest collection is all about Americana; think That 70s Show! Just imagine a bunch of friends going on a camping trip. They have a picnic, listen to music on their portable record player and relax on the beach. I selected a group of prints that tell a story: kilim-style prints with some Navajo-inspired tribal patterns.
What’s the next big thing?
I think Asia is going to be big, what with fast-growing economies like China. We are also seeing some oriental trends returning to runways for next season.
What’s the most difficult thing about the fashion industry?
The prospect of starting my own label and being my own boss was quite daunting. Creatively speaking, I know I can do it, but I have less experience with business, PR and marketing, and all the other aspects that come with being a business owner. I am learning as I go along.
Who’s your favorite designer?
I dread this question because for me it varies all the time! At the moment, I am loving what Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are doing at Kenzo. I am a huge fan of Opening Ceremony, anyway, so to see them revive an iconic brand like Kenzo is very inspiring. However, one of my all-time favorites is Alexander McQueen. I had the opportunity to intern there when I was still in university. It was fashion at its most creative.
Silliest fashion trend?
Ugg Boots and Crocs.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
I used to cruise down the 'sold as seen' rack at Selfridges in London, looking for bargains on faulty items which I could maybe fix up later myself. I bought a pair of trousers from Vivienne Westwood thinking I had bagged a pair of Westwood trousers for a fraction of the price. I wore it to a formal party the following week and as I sat down, the seam at the crotch just came apart—the more I tried to rescue it the worse it got, to the point where I could put my whole hand in my trousers. I spent the whole evening trying to find the right moment to leave without losing what was left of my dignity!  
What does the Bangkok fashion scene need?
I don’t actually know the fashion scene here as well as others, as I have always lived abroad, but I think it has grown so much in the last few years. I hope to see Thai designers receive more recognition overseas; I want buyers to see that there are a lot of undiscovered talents here with great potential.

Pitchaya Srirapong,

designer/co-founder of Pitch

How did your brand start?
I was a freelance designer for a Thai and international jewelry brand for five years. After creating my own watch collection, I got to know Ann Kositchana from Front Row Studio Singapore. She asked me to join her and her partners, Jurikarn and Sornkrit, and together we established jewelry brand Pitch in 2010.
How would you describe your design?
Simple and chic, but with hidden details. We don't like luxurious things but prefer things that have character or contain a surprise.
What’s the inspiration behind your latest collection?
It's called Hello, I Miss You, and is all about jewelry which serves as a promise of love, affection, and returning back to each other. During wars, soldiers send mementos home to their loved ones. This collection is inspired by wartime trinkets and mementos of bittersweet departures. We use military emblems and play around with the meaning of love.
What’s the hardest part about working in the fashion industry?
People get information from shows like Project Runway fast, so it’s easy to find knock-offs. The negative effects on the fashion industry are profound, because people can find similar products for cheaper prices. Decreased sales mean that the motivation to create new designs has been diminished.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Maison Martin Margiela, because its design is simple yet chic, and still implies great ideas. It expresses creativity through recycling, transformation and reinterpretation.
What trend must go?
Wearing counterfeit products. If you are a fashion lover, you should show your respect to the designers by only buying and wearing the originals.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
When I was a kid, I was looking for my own style. Many questions popped up in my head, like why can’t girls wear boys' shirts to create their own style and still look pretty? I experimented with this for years and the result is some people think I am a tomboy or weird. What I am today was formed from years of mockery and people not understanding my style.     
What’s the next big thing?
The current generation has more confidence to dress up. I think the hot trend from now on will be people to showing their personality through more mixing and matching of outfits.
What does the Bangkok fashion scene need?
Thailand has not only got more talented designers but also more quality materials for in-house production. Still, Thai young designers lack connections with big investors to support them in the international market. We will produce more well-known designers if we get more support from the public and private sectors.

Nantiya Saengwichit,

29, managing director/ design director of Hectorr

Describe your style.
Anti-trend. Hectorr’s pieces are for those who are not fashion victims and don’t alter their looks too much from season to season. On the other hand, Hectorr’s girls know themselves well and express their style subconsciously and instinctually.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Veronica Decides to Exist is our latest collection, inspired by a novel called Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. It blends fully nude and dark tones with simple sleek designs to express the “perfect imperfection" concept.
What’s the next big thing?
Minimal and simple designs with hidden details. A large number of people are now getting more interested in philosophy, so superficiality will become nonsense.
What’s the most difficult part about working in the fashion industry?
Some people prefer having many items in their closet rather than just one of a good quality that you can wear for many years. Some of my products go through many processes in the design production stage, so some people might not understand the pricing.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Damir Doma.
Silliest fashion trend?
Scrunchies. There’s no reason to ruin your personal style by putting strange things in your hair.
What do you want to see more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
Girls with a masculine style.

Toolapar Wadkhien,

35, designer/owner of Fresh Meat

How did your brand start?
I love bags and was thinking one day, why don’t I make one for myself. I just sketched it and found someone to help me with the cutting and sewing of the leather. After it was done, my friends asked me where I got it. They then asked me if I could design bags for them.  
How would you describe your design style ?
Basics with a twist. They are made for everyday use, but with add-ons like zips, buckles, fringes and studs.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Traveling to the countryside in a convertible car on the weekend. I saw an old movie where a couple do just this with a pile of bags on the backseat. The collection is mostly made up of quite big bags which are suitable for a few nights away from home. The curves reflect the form of a vintage car and there’s even a nod to the car’s headlights.
What’s the next big thing?
Style will be more individualized, more personalized and more customized. Now, due to globalization, online and new technologies, people can see everything from everywhere, so there are no boundaries, especially in the fashion world.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion industry?
Trying to stand out with your unique identity: to stay true to yourself and still answer the needs of your target audience. Nowadays, there are many brands that are hungry for fame, and will try every way to be distinct. Some do it through strange-looking designs that simply scream that they're just trying to survive in this industry—they forget who they are and who their customers are.
Who are your favorite designers?
Alexander McQueen, Nicolas Ghesquière and Phoebe Philo.
What’s the silliest fashion trend?
I’m more concerned that people wear the right attire on the right occasion.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
I went to a masquerade party by accident and I was wearing a short jumpsuit.
What do you want to see more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
People who appreciate original ideas and don’t just support copycats.