Have I been socially irresponsible? Last week I attended a few events, most of them small except for one. Was I being thoughtless by exposing myself to the risk of contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus? The government is working to contain the disease and asking people to practise “social distancing” so we won’t suffer the same fate as both Wuhan and Italy with a total lockdown. But during a crisis like this, sometimes it is good to try to get on with life as normally as possible and that’s why I have been going to whatever events I can, but taking the necessary precautions as well. Although I don’t wear a mask (health experts have said it is not necessary if you are not sick), I attach a small, portable air purifier clip on my top when I go out, wash my hands often, don’t get too close to people around me and take lots of vitamin C to boost the immune system. However, with the number of infections increasing almost on a daily basis, I am beginning to think this may not be enough and it might be a good idea to stay in more this week.
Sirivannavari & S’Homme SS20
The biggest event last week was the fashion presentation of Sirivannavari and S’Homme at Royal Paragon Hall. The brand celebrates its 15th anniversary with Mythos Poetica, a collection of ultra-feminine silhouettes, intricate embroidery and graphic prints created by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. A highlight is the Bijoux collection of jewellery that revisits house symbols from the cloverleaf to the peacock as well as men’s leather goods such as shoes and clutch bags. Although it wasn’t the usual packed audience, a good crowd turned up to support the princess.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya
Club 21 Presents Dries Van Noten And Christian Lacroix
Another fashion event was the unveiling of the collaboration between two frontline designers Dries van Noten and Christian Lacroix. Organised by Club 21 at its boutique at Erawan Bangkok, guests were shown designs that combine colours, patterns and materials and present a mix between van Noten’s pret-a-porter approach and Lacroix’s couture influence.
A colourful outfit from the Dries van Noten x Christian Lacroix collection
Marimekko’s New Ready-To-Wear
Finnish brand Marimekko meanwhile showed its new season’s ready-to-wear range with its trademark floral prints inspired by the 1980 book Flowers by photographer Irving Penn. The event held at the newly opened The Mustang Blu was hosted by Tanapong Chirapanidchakul, CEO of distributor Tanachira and brand manager Praewpailyn Aimaksorn.
With Marimekko’s Tanapong Chirapanidchakul
Beauty Gems To The Rescue!
Beauty Gems’ event wasn’t so much about its jewellery this time but more about its environmental efforts. Managing director Suriyon Sriorathaikul explained the company has installed water sprinklers around its open head office and showroom building to reduce PM 2.5 dust. Guests joined in to plant trees around the building and left with small plants to take back home.
With Suriyon Sriorathaikul and Alisa Mekmanee at Beauty Gems
Lotus Arts De Vivre X Ralf Ohletz Count Von Plettenberg
Over at Lotus Arts de Vivre, the von Buerens presented the collectables of Ralf Ohletz Count von Plettenberg, accumulated during the decades he spent working in the travel trade. From his vast stock of acquisitions, the count is contributing over 1,000 pieces to Lotus Arts de Vivre for interested collectors. The objets d’art include Thai and Khmer antiques, Egyptian obelisks, shell-inspired art, carved crystal pieces and Chinese Ming and Qing dynasty objects. Count Ohletz joined the von Buerens to introduce his collection to guests at the launch at the Lotus Arts de Vivre boutique at Anantara Siam.
With Siriyos Devahasdin na Ayudhya and Ralf Ohletz Count von Plettenberg
Wolf Blass X Baan Khanitha
Winemaker Wolf Blass joined with Baan Khanitha to encourage diners to experiment with wines and pair them with local dishes. Bryan Lau, country manager of Treasury Wine Estate Thailand, introduced the brand’s Gold Label chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon and the Grey Label shiraz, which were served with traditional Thai dishes. The Find Your Flavour campaign was launched in partnership with the Michelin guide in November last year.
With Bryan Lau at the Wolf Blass lunch
Siwilai City Club Chef Takeover
Another food event was the kitchen “takeover” at Siwilai City Club by chef Chris Eiting, previously with Bali’s Locavore restaurant. The one-night only event featured creative dishes focusing on local ingredients and using zero-waste cooking and wood-fire techniques. Chef Eiting is opening Jampa at Trisara Resort in Phuket, a property that is part of Montara Hospitality Group managed by Narong and Kittisak Pattamasaevi.
With chef Chris Eiting and Narong and Kittisak Pattamasaevi at Siwalai City Club
Launch of Miskawaan Health Group At Gaysorn Tower
Finally, with the current coronavirus situation, it is in our interest to find out more about Miskawaan Health Group, which opened at Gaysorn Tower at a party graced by HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya. The full-service health clinic combines holistic and biological-based principles to promote and enhance well-being. Global medical director Dr Johannes Wessolly introduced some of the therapies available at the clinics in Germany, Austria, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Samui.
Dr Johannesburg Wessoly (2nd from left) is seen with other executives at the launch of Miskawaan Health Clinic
Previously: Naphalai’s Diary: March 2-8
