After Paris Fashion Week finished last month, one of the most talked-about topics on Thai social networks remains the pricy stripe tote from Balenciaga — the new “It” bag of the season that unfortunately looks very similar to the colorful, cheap plastic bag used by Thai merchants.
But Balenciaga’s THB100,000 tote isn’t the first time the fashion industry has reminded us of our traditions and cheap goods. From leading high-end fashion houses to stylish streetwear, let’s take a look at when the runway reminded us of cheap stuff at home.
1. Balenciaga stripe tote
Right now, it is hard to beat the Balenciaga bag, fresh from the Paris Fashion Week runway, for popularity. Gazing at the rectangular shape and its colorful stripes, the high-end bag resembles our “Sampeng Bag”, which is commonly used by merchants in Chinatown.
While some argue the bag design originates from China, Thai merchants continue to use it to store wholesale goods.
After the fashion show, several Thai netizens parodied Balenciaga’s runway look using their THB50 plastic bag. Thanks to Balenciaga, high fashion is now available to everyone.
Photos: YBGT show
2. Helo Rocha halter top
Photo: Helo Rocha
Looking back through history, the Tabeng Marn was a way for Ayutthaya women to wear their sash on the battlefield. Now fast-forward 300 years, the fighting spirit still lives on internationally in 2016 Spring/Summer collection of Brazilian fashion brand, Helo Rocha.
Well, apparently someone learned from the past, and followed it pretty well.
Photo: Domunz.com
3. Lebor Gabala’s sarong skirt
Photo: Denim Jeans Observer
Ever called out your grandma for being out of date with her traditional Sarong? If you did, you should take it back because the old-fashioned Sarong or “Pa Toong” is obviously so 2016.
The latest summer collection from Barcelona-based brand Lebor Gabala has presented the world with something Thai people know all too well. And seriously, when it comes fashion sense, grandma always knows best.
Photo: Wasant/ Thaiscooter.com
4. Nike Solarsoft Thongs II
Photo: Kanomjeeb
When you mention the name Nike, most people instantly visualize sport sneakers and athletic clothes. But now Nike is going for a more minimalistic approach with a touch of Thai.
The Nike Solarsoft Thongs II sandals have elements that are identical to the classic “Chang Dao” (or “Elephant Star”) sandals of Thai shoe brand Nanyang, where most students get their gym and casual shoes from.
Yes, Nike sandals (THB900) might look slightly more stylish with its logo, but it can’t beat Nanyang’s THB99 offer.
Obviously, Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen approves of this trend.
Photo: Pantip
5. Kate Spade bag
Photo: Suvinit Aum Pornnavalai
And last but not least, here is a summer 2016 Kate Spade bag, which looks exactly like our woven bags made by women upcountry for the government’s OTOP campaign.
The bag resembles the traditional bag moms opt for when they go shopping at a fresh market. Could it be that Thailand has found itself an international OTOP advocate? Anyway, it is now time to go back and borrow mom’s purse.
Photo: Bloggang
The future
Well, what we’ve learned from these new fashion trends is that it is time for Thais to seriously up their game. Who knows, maybe local designers can become global fashionistas in the Spring/Summer of 2017.
And here’s my sketch for what I believe will be the next fashion trend — a hat inspired by a Thai clay pot #potgoals.
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