Q&A: Chavaporn Laohapongchana

Owner, P’s Material

How was the brand started?
P’s Material was launched in May last year, spurred by my love of hair accessories. At the time there was a large demand for flower headbands but very few options.
What is the inspiration behind your designs?
Everything around me plays a part: my friends, lifestyle and personality, as well as the environment.
Who are your customers?
Teenagers and adults who love fashion and value being unique.
What makes your brand different from others?
P’s Material focuses on handmade products, which are all made by me. It’s quite different in terms of the designs and materials, so our customers are guaranteed exclusivity when they buy from us. When designing items, I prefer to have lots of materials in front of me; they can be anything—once I see the material, it brings me the inspiration and creativity to make

Q&A: Nattawan Komolkittipong

Co-owner, Pakamian

How was the brand started?
My family runs a weaving factory, so we looked to use materials that we were familiar with and started to make products from pakaoma (Thai traditional plaid cloth). After playing around for a while, we realised that to be successful we needed to fuse our own style with the out-of-date colors and patterns of pakaoma.
What was the motivation behind the products?
Our motivation was to create something that people feel isn’t clichéd. We asked ourselves how could we take something commonplace like pakaoma and use it to gain people’s attention. We decided to use it to create everyday items like bags, notebooks and pillow cases.
What makes your brand different?
Quality. Many people perceive pakaoma as cheap cloth. That might be true in some cases but not in ours. We only use 100% cotton. People buy our products because of the unique colors and patterns but also the fine weaving.

Q&A Sasiwan Siriviroj

Owner, Labyrinth

Why did you decide to start selling scarves?
One day, after I had quit my job at an art gallery, I was playing with a scarf that I always wore and started to really notice its beauty. I decided to learn more about them and eventually made one. I later won a young designer contest held by the Workshop fashion brand and my scarves are now on sale at their stores.
What is the inspiration behind your products?
I was inspired by the idea that no matter how an object looks, it’s always more complicated than you think. The creative ideas and products are designed by my brother and I, so our inspiration comes from our backgrounds—what we have been through, seen and felt in our everyday lives. For instance, we decided to incorporate our own pet french bulldog into the latest collection.
Who are your customers?
We target people who love art and new designs, but also want practical products. I believe our brand is high-street fashion; we place a lot of emphasis on the clarity of each print on the scarves as well as the quality and material of the scarves themselves.
What makes your brand different from others?
The concept of our brand is to make art something that is tangible and practical. We focus a lot on artistic creativity. I don’t want us to forget that the birth of our brand came from a desire to create more artistic products.

Q&A: Nalintip Warutai

Co-owner, The Sleeveless Garden

How was the brand started?
It began with three friends—all architecture graduates. We were bored of our jobs and wanted to design our own fashion products to show off our distinct style.
What is the inspiration behind your products?
We all love the vintage style, but aim to add our own unique touches.
Who are your customers?
When we first started selling our products, we thought we’d target people who have a unique fashion sense and don’t follow trends. But now we’ve been in the market a while, we’ve found that most of our customers are young office workers and university students. We aim to offer limited edition accessories that most people can attain.
What’s unique about The Sleeveless Garden?
I’d have to say the materials that we use, the shape of the bags and the fine design process. The materials are the only thing pre-determined before the actual design process starts because everyone loves genuine leather. We’re very open too, so if some new inspiration hits us, we’ll adapt it into the bag before it actually comes out.

Q&A Kanit Tantiwong

Co-owner, Container

How was the brand started?
In 2011, two friends and I got talking about starting a business to create high-quality bags to match our personalities. As one of us knew some craftsmen who had been making bags for a long time, we decided to give it a try.
What is the inspiration behind the products?
Creating bags that represent who we are. At first, we were all about timeless, elegant styles, made to fit our needs, as we love classic Japanese and Scandinavian designs. We are also trying to add quirkiness and colors to our bags, since the feedback from younger customers has been pretty good.
Who are your customers?
I would say anyone who cares for quality bags. They are not cheap due to the fact that they are handmade by qualified craftsmen. Each bag takes longer to make than mass-produced alternatives by other brands. You can see the difference in the seams and details.
What makes your brand different from others?
Our bags don’t scream “look at me.” We believe there are men like us out there who want bags that sort of keep them company and don’t go out-of-date no matter how many years go by. We want to see men carrying bags, and we are proud that our bags are made here, in Bangkok.

BK: What was it like playing a mentally ill person?
My first impression after reading the script was, “Whoa! What a challenge!” And that’s what it really was. To get a clear understanding of how Kwang thinks and feels, I had to dig deep into her complex background. People who have mental disorders tend to be quite quiet and speak with their eyes instead. So I had to learn how to communicate more with my eyes. There were workshops between the director, the actors and the crew. And there was an acting course with M.L. Pandevanop “Mom Noi” Devakul. I also did more research by watching films and reading books about mentally ill people.

BK: Did it affect you, having to enter her personality?
Of course it did. Sometimes during the shooting, I would be too deeply involved in the character’s mind to tune out. I wasn’t aware of it until the crew noticed that I was so absent-minded that they had to pull me back to reality. As for my attitude towards life, the film emphasizes what I’ve always believed: you can choose whether to be happy or depressed, it depends on you. I never let miserable ideas destroy me as the characters in the film do.

BK: Do you feel any pressure being the daughter of famous entertainer Arun Bhavilai?
No, not really. I think my personal life doesn’t matter. What matters is my performance. The only thing on my mind is to do my best. I’m sure this film will prove how I really put in a lot of effort to this role. I want to let my work speak for me.

BK: Has your father given you any advice about starting your acting career?
He tells me to be friendly and generous. At work, I always bring snacks for everyone. More importantly, he always reminds me that everyone in the film crew is equally important, not just the director or the actors. So he teaches me to respect everyone I work with no matter who they are.

BK: What’s your lifestyle like? Do you party a lot?
I rather stay with my mom and hang out at my father’s restaurant, Koona [in Ladprao 71]. Mom and I like to bake and we’re opening a new business, making tab bod [liver pate].

BK: What are your future career plans?
When I was a child, I often tagged along with my dad when he worked. So I’ve always been familiar with the entertainment industry. And now I’m studying Communication Arts in Bangkok University’s International Program. So my goal is crystal clear: I want to work in entertainment. I’m interested in it all—acting, singing and dancing. I would leap at any chance offered to me. I also want to work behind the scenes when I get older and have gained more experience. Benjamaporn Meekaeo.

“The director who stitched The Raven together has no idea how to frame or compose a scene, let alone ‘grow’ a film organically.” Kathleen Murphy, MSN Movies

“Poe, not Conan Doyle? Cusack, not Downey? No wit, no fun, no engaging derring do? Beg pardon, Watson, we’ve stumbled into some foggy crime detective clone, 40 years too early. Best to move along.” Kimberly Gadette, Doddle

“It’s neither grand nor grisly enough to seriously satisfy Poe-ish cravings for murder, mystery and literary allusions.” Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

“They want it to be Seven meets Sherlock Holmes and you can tell Cusack is into it. Unfortunately the plot is ridiculous and the murder-mystery is boring. Jeff Bayer, The Scorecard Review

“Quoth the Raven - nevermore. it seems like good advice because nothing in this movie is worth ravin’ about.” Gary Wolcott, Tri-City Herald

Why switch to contemporary dance?
Actually, I’m still dancing both traditional Thai and contemporary styles. The thing is, after I got to watch contemporary dance shows, it kind of drew me in and I realized, this is it. This is what I want to do. I was off to a stumbling start, doing contemporary dance here and there. Then I got my first change to works with Jitti in a contemporary dance show called 18 Crowns.

Your prior work was quite difficult to understand.
As a dancer I’m positive that each kind of artwork has its own charm and you don’t have to understand everything. Nowadays, we have a bunch of stuff that’s easy on the eyes, so why not try something different. Our show tries to encourage people to think out of the box, move out of their comfort zone and see their world from a different perspective.

Contemporary dance doesn’t seem to attract a lot of people, though.
People don’t go to shows because they don’t know that we have one. For example, shows at the Thailand Cultural Center have large audiences because everybody has heard of them. Thailand needs to have ways to broadcast art news whether it’s public or private. It’ll help tremendously. Another thing is that to watch a contemporary show you have to be open-minded and accept that you’ll be challenged by it—don’t just be offended. I think that’s why contemporary shows are more popular in Western society.

Would you ever like to produce or choreograph your own stuff?
To be a good producer you need to have lots and lots of experience. I did a few of my own shows actually but I think I need more experience, so for now, I would say I’m a good performer. Maybe in five years, when I’ve gained more experience, I’ll do my own show.

How do you feel about this performance?
I’m concerned. Happy, yeah, but concerned because it is the first time that I’ll be acting without a mask. I’ve never done it before so it’s quite tough. But it’s good, too, because it gives the show a different dynamic, like theater. And then there’s my body. In a contemporary dance show, you need to have a very firm body on stage—it just looks more fascinating. So I need to lose some more weight! It’s never been a problem with khon where we wear all these beautiful clothes. Proudpisut Sang-ou-thai

The Nine Neighborhood Center

999 Rama 9 Rd. 02-620-7485-6 www.thenine.co.th
There’s no supermarket and the wine bar options are particularly uninspired. Grab some Southern Thai food on the 2/F and a hot chocolate at Duc de Praslin.

Crystal Design Center

1420/1 Praditmanutham Rd., 02-101-5999
Divided into two sections, Phase 1 is heavy on home decor and furniture, while Phase 2 is a more varied mix of lifestyle options. Huge and far, CDC remains a cool hangout thanks to Est. 33 and The Aston Gastro Bar.

Rain Hill

Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-260-7447
Japanese dining options abound in this small but well-formed mall, as well as a rather sexy looking branch of Wine Connection and a couple of cute cafes. The great downtown location, cascading water, funky little boutiques and a small supermarket make it pretty hip and happening spot, too.

Aree Garden

T.O.U. Development Co., Ltd. Soi Aree Samphan 11 (opposite Mininistry of Finance), 02-278-3258. www.areegarden.com
Located at the end of Soi Aree Samphan, this small, lush hangout spot is home to Mahuna bookstore, HOBS, Polka Dot Cafe and sushi bar Sakana. Also, don’t forget to check out their Saturday Market which offers some craftworks, secondhand accessories and more.

K Village

93, 95 Sukhumvit Soi 26. 02-258-9919/-21. www.kvillagebangkok.com
This well-rounded mall packs in standalone fashion boutiques, a cool bar (Five) and a supermarket/fresh market making it a decent community option.

The Crystal

Praditmanutham Rd. 02-101-5959.
Set as part of the luxury housing development project Crystal Park, The Crystal is the first community mall in this area and brings a standard roundup of chain stores: Starbucks, iStudio, Tops Market and even a Falabella.

Nawamin Festival Walk - Nawamin City Avenue

299 Prasertmanukit Rd., Sena Intersection, 02-660-9020. www.facebook.com/NawaminFestivalWalk
Nawamin Festival Walk, located right next to Nawamin City Avenue, reeks of some misplaced middle-American outdoor theme park (there’s even a giant windmill at the entrance). You’ve got your wine bistros, your Japanese sweets and even a French-Vietname eatery, Red Basket.

J-Avenue

Thonglor Soi 15 bangkok, 02-660-9000
This veteran community mall is the real deal, with a true neighborhood following, and a selection of shops catering to their hiso tastes, from imported brand bags to cutest dessert shops—and one of the more handsome Greyhound Cafes.

The Circle

39 Ratchapruek Rd., 02-865-6850. www.thecircle.co.th
The Circle is one of the first lifestyle malls that brought a touch of hip to Thonburi. With its Palio-esque design and more than 200 shops including fashion boutiques and cafes like Greyhound, Peony Tea Room and Pancake Cafe, the buzz is still on.

The Walk

Ratchaphruek Rd, 084-910-5654. www.thewalk.co.th
Finally, over-crowded The Circle has a potential rival, this one with air-con. The outside looks like CDC or Chic Ministry (on Praditmanoontham Rd.) but the inside is, unfortunately, more like the basement section of Paradise Park or The Paris floor at Terminal 21. Furthermore, most of the restaurants are chains so don’t expect cute indies places. Even the supermarket is a Big-C.

La Villa

356 Phaholyothin Rd. 02-273-1995. BTS Ari
Their Mac Cafe occasionally carries secondhand Apple gear, there’s a Villa Supermarket, a branch of After You and a few fashion boutiques lurking in the back of the ground floor. Too bad the dining options are so lackluster.

City Viva

58 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 6, 02-676-9601. www.thecityviva.com
Situated in the heart of the CBD, close to Chong Nonsi, this place is a little sketchy in terms of its focus. Still, a supermarket and some interesting restaurants, notably the surprisingly good Wine Fusion and the informal pub atmosphere of Bloc Beer & Bistro, do pull in the after office crowd.

The Portico Langsuan

31 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit, 02-652-1968. BTS Chitlom.
The Portico is a petite space mostly devoted to cafes and restaurants, although there is a yoga studio in there, too. Don’t miss Masatomi Patisserie, where Japanese influences and French techniques are combined for subtler and lighter variations of pastry classics.

Park Lane

Sukhumvit Soi 61, BTS Ekkamai, 02-3821580-85, 02-3821587-99. www.parklanebangkok.com
Close to the BTS this place is Hi So with a capital H, but is actually more community than most. A large supermarket with pharmacy and bakery means it does provide the basics, but there are also plenty of Japanese restaurants, high fashion boutiques and even a doggy cafe as well. If you have kids, then Play Time on the top floor is a lifesaver and means you can drop them off while enjoying an imported brew at Pint with its pub vibe downstairs.