Bangkok is dressed in glitter and sparkle for the holiday season. Walk along Ratchaprasong and one will be dazzled by the festive lights and decorations put up by the shopping malls and hotels. It’s really like being in a winter wonderland, especially since the weather was still nice and cool last week (although the temperature is fast climbing back up).
Pacharee And Sette Jewellery Workshop
Adding to the glitter were three jewellery events last week. One was a workshop organised by Pacharee and Sette Peccati at the Sette boutique at Siam Paragon. Thitiporn Sanguanpiyapan of Sette was happy to announce that Pacharee’s pearl and fine jewellery is now available at her boutique. Conducted by brand owner and designer Sophie Pacharee Rogers, the workshop highlighted the beauty of natural pearls and how to bring them together to create beautiful necklaces, bracelets, brooches and rings.
With Vichuda Sitakalin, Sophie Pacharee Rogers and Jongkol Palarit
Patcharavipa Launches Clues
Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura also launched her namesake brand’s Clues collection. The young designer, who has been creating contemporary jewellery since the age of 13, presents delicate gold with minimalist gemstones pieces that are bold yet timeless. The event was held at the showroom at her family’s Bhakdi Building.
Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura at the launch of her new Clues collection
Lotus Arts de Vivre Celebrates 37 Years
And then there was Lotus Arts de Vivre, celebrating its 37th anniversary with a display of 90 handcrafted pieces of jewellery and home decorative items. The von Buerens were there—Rolf and his sons Sri and Nicki—to introduce the company’s products, combining Asian art and culture, which are available at 18 boutiques in eight countries around the world. Held at the Lotus Arts de Vivre showroom at Anantara Siam, there was a media lunch at Madison and a mini-fashion show of the jewellery and bags, followed by a party for clients and guests in the evening.
Sri, Rolf and Nicki von Bueren
HBD, Chulalaxana!
Another event with lots of glitter (that was the dress code) was the birthday party of Chulalaxana Chudhaduj, held at Pullman King Power’s Tenshino restaurant. The lady lives in London with her husband MR Dilok Nicholas but travels to Bangkok many times a year to attend royal and official functions, as well as to see their friends here. It was her 70th birthday but you would have thought she was younger than this.
With the birthday girl Chulalaxana Chudhaduj and MR Usnisa Sukhsvasti
White Shirt Project
There were a few fashion events as well, including a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld with the White Shirt Project. The late designer was known to be fond of the white shirt and after his passing seven world-famous celebrities created their versions of this garment. The shirts are travelling around the world, with Thailand being the first and only country in Southeast Asia to host this exhibition at the Karl Lagerfeld store at Central World. Porndet Chandawanich, CEO of distributor Pat Luxury Concept, has added designs by 50 Thai celebrities including actress Mai Davika Hoorne.
At Karl Lagerfeld with Porndet Chandawanich, Nualpan Osathananda and Ratt Maneeratana
Prada Dreamscape Pop-Up
Prada meanwhile hosted a cocktail to launch the Prada Dreamscape pop-up at Central Embassy. On offer is a selection of women’s bags and accessories inspired by romance, featuring flowers and blossoms as main characters. The pop-up is open until January 5.
With Prada manager Piyarat Chavananand at Prada Dreamscape
Jaspal X Megan Hess
Home-grown brand Jaspal, meanwhile, presented its collaboration with Australian fashion illustrator Megan Hess at Central World. Having worked with some of the world’s best-known fashion brands, Hess is debuting her inaugural designs for a Thai brand. Jaspal chief business officer Viseth Singhsachathet welcomes the collection to celebrate the New Year which includes products featuring Claris the mouse to see in the Chinese New Year.
With Megan Hess and Viseth and Vilasinee Singsachathet
Maison Berger Goes Green
Nontakarn Dapparungsi Ng of French home fragrance company Maison Berger Paris introduced the company’s commitment to saving the environment at Siam Paragon. Customers are encouraged to return the empty fragrance refill bottles for the lamps and diffusers at boxes at any of its nine branches. They will be recycled into alternative fuels for cement manufacturing by SCI Eco Services.
At Maison Berger with Elizabeth Romhild and Nontakarn Dapparungsi Ng
#ShowYourStyle
Seiko also held the Show Your Style event and fashion show at Central World. Managing director Hiroyuki Akashi hosted the function, which presented the Seiko 5 Sports new models and introduced the five contestants of the VDO Lookbook contest.
At Seiko Show Your Style
Zen Relaunches As Central@CentralWorld
Adding to the crowds at CentralWorld was the relaunch of Zen as Central@CentralWorld. According to Central Department Store managing director Natthira Chirathivat Boonsri, all seven floors have been redesigned by international designers from England, Germany, France and Italy and the new store features over 3,000 brands from around the world as well as numerous food and beverage outlets.
Yaya Urassaya Sperbund, Natthira Chirathivat Boonsri and Nadech Kugimiya at the launch of Central@CentralWorld
I also stopped by at Marriott Bangkok Surawongse for the thank-you party of Ritz-Carlton Samui. General manager Mahmoud Skaf was in Bangkok to meet with clients and the media to thank them for their support during the past year.
A Visit From The Lamonts
My week ended with a visit to the Alexander Lamont showroom at Gaysorn for the Christmas Sunday Salon. Lamont and his wife Alexandra hosted an afternoon of craftsmanship and live music, as well as mulled wine and mince pies. Guests were able to participate in a wreath-making and gold-leafing. workshops as well as browse gifts for the season.
With Alexander Lamont at the Christmas Sunday Salon
Silom Walking Street
And since I was in the general area I also stopped by the Silom Walking Street, the first weekend that it has been closed and turned into a shopping street. Although there were some art shops as well as a children’s street art workshop, the rest were selling mainly food. OK if you have nothing better to do on your weekend although I could come up with lots of other things you could do with your time.
Children’s street art workshop at Silom walking street
Previously: Naphalai’s Diary: December 2-8
