Quiz: Is it possible to go to four events taking place at around the same time on a Friday evening in Bangkok? Answer: Yes, and I’ve done it. I know I have bragged about going to six events in a day but they were staggered starting from lunchtime or early afternoon, with many in the same area. Well, these four were all at 6 to 6:30pm and ranged from The EmQuartier to Siam Paragon and Central Embassy. But yes, at least they were all on the skytrain route—and there’s the answer to how it became possible for me to make them all. Although it still took quite a bit of skillful manoeuvring on my part to make it all happen.
First Stop: The History Of Whoo
My first stop was EmQuartier for The History of Whoo, a Korean skincare brand that draws on its traditional imperial culture. Whoo organised a royal heritage museum art exhibition with displays of costumes and ornaments from the imperial court. The highlight was an art piece designed by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya featuring her signature peacock emblem. Also unveiled was the Bichup Self Generating Anti-Aging/Jasaeng Special Edition 2019 essences.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s creation for The History of Whoo royal heritage museum art exhibition
Second Stop: Tiffany T Collection
Next stop was Siam Paragon to see the new designs of the Tiffany T Collection at its pop-up store. Because of the three-side glass façade of the pop-up, it felt somewhat like being in a glass bowl, all the more so when there were crowds of fans pressed up against the glass trying to catch the attention of actress Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul. Retail director Apinya Dolan wore some of the new collection’s necklaces and bracelets to show to clients.
With actress Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul and Apinya Dolan at Tiffany’s
Third Stop: L’Oreal’s Women In Science
Then on to Grand Hyatt Erawan for L’Oreal’s Women in Science, the 17th edition of the skincare and cosmetics giant’s fellowship presentation ceremony. This is a global programme between the L’Oreal Foundation and UNESCO to support female scientists. Khunying Dr Kalaya Sophonpanich, deputy education minister, presented the five grants to the winning researchers in physical and life sciences.
Khunying Dr Kalaya Sophonpanich presents an award at L’Oreal Women for Science with managing director Ines Caldeira and other jury members
Fourth Stop: New Burberry Store
And finally, the opening of the Burberry new store at Central Embassy. The first in Southeast Asia to showcase Riccardo Tisci’s new creative vision with a colour palette of white and pistachio, it was packed with socialites, celebrities and influencers. All sported at least one item of Burberry on them.
With actor Naphat Na Ranong at the Burberry new store opening at Central Embassy
Hermes Reopens At Paragon
As you can imagine, I was very happy this was followed by the weekend where I could recover somewhat from that hectic day. The week itself wasn’t that quiet either and there were quite a few interesting events which mandated my presence. One was the reopening of the Hermes store at Siam Paragon and the Hermes Rouges exhibition at Parc Paragon outside. Part of the Hermes Heritage touring exhibitions, this one presents the brand’s relationship with the many shades of the colour red. Divided into five rooms, the displays take us from Hermes’s early days with objects on loan from the Emile Hermes collection and archives to objects from recent assortments. Menehould de Bazelaire, Hermes artistic director of cultural patrimony, conducted the tour of the displays.
With Hermès managing director David Smaniotto at the Hermès reopening and Rouges exhibition
Under The Sea With Panerai
Another unique event was hosted by Panerai to celebrate the launch of the latest Submersible collection. Where better to hold this than at Siam Paragon’s Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. Never having been to this tourist attraction, it was fun to see the underwater world presented in 360 degrees, together with a live free-diving show. Of course the diver was wearing a Panerai watch as he swam among the underwater creatures. Co-hosting the vent was the brand’s Thai distributor Pendulum.
Posing with a shark at the Panerai event at the Sea Life Bangkok Oceanarium World
International Coffee Day
Did you know there is an international coffee day? Well this was last week and according to Nescafe Thailand, in this country October 1 is known as Nescafe Day. On the occasion the company celebrated the unsung heroes in the country who work overnight to keep our cities clean and safe, as well as the Border Patrol Police members, offering midnight coffees to them. Chairman and CEO of Nestle Indochina Victor Seah held an event at Siam Square One to recognise these individuals and for Thais to write messages on Nescafe red mugs to send to the Border Patrol Police. Joining in were brand ambassadors James Jirayu Tangsrisuk and Tor Thanapob Leeratanakajorn.
Jirayu Tangsrisuk, Naritta Vipulyasekha, Victor Seah, Jooji Dela Cruz and Thanapob Leeratanakajorn at the Nescafé Day celebration
Massimo Dutti Launches Perfumes
Spanish brand Massimo Dutti, meanwhile, has for the first time launched a perfume collection which was unveiled at its store at The EmQuartier. The six fragrances, three for women and three for women, are inspired by the art of travel and are available at its branches also at Siam Paragon, Central World and Central Embassy.
Massimo Dutti perfume launch
Glitter, Glitter, Glitter
I also met with Michael Brown, makeup artist for Marc Jacobs, who presented its new range of make-up consisting of the Highliner liquid gel eyeliner, See-Quin glitter eye shadow and Enamored lip lacquer. Lots of glitter and glow just in time for the holiday season.
Marc Jacobs’ Enamored liquid lip lacquer and See-Quin glitter eye shadow
A New Nahm
Rounding up the events was dinner to re-launch nahm at Como Metropolitan Bangkok. I hadn’t been there since chef Pim Techamuanvivit took over from David Thompson and I must say she keeps the standards set by the original chef and even sets a few of her own.
Nahm’s chef Pim Techamuanvivit
Previously: Naphalai’s Diary: September 23-29
