Thai fashion meets the Asian zodiac
Posted by Lucky on Jan 5, 2010
BANGKOK, Jan 5 — Ask Roj Singhakul, the well known Thai designer and owner of the Issue brand, if fortune has anything to do with fashion, and his answer is sure to be an emphatic “definitely”.
Roj, who also known by his new name Bhubawit Kritpholnara, has just launched a new collection based on the horoscope, specifically the Asian zodiac signs.
His latest creations, now on display at the Jim Thompson Art Centre, number 12 costumes representing the 12 zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Roj said he worked closely with feng shui guru and fortune-teller Kochakorn Promchai on this collection, which features body-hugging, for-humanoid costumes with traditional prints on the chest, arms and legs.
Some come with headgear and other flamboyant accessories.
“But the main inspiration for the collection was the ‘Bhrama Jati’, the ancient Siamese horoscope paintings in Jim Thompson’s private collection,” he said, adding he thoroughly studied the paintings before using them in his costumes.
Basically, all the costumes are made of spandex cloth, with decorative Jim Thompson silk wraps.
“There is little embroidery work in this collection due to time constraints,” he said.
Each costume carries an image of the animal representing the particular zodiac sign and the accompanying guardian, a tewada (angel), human or yaksa (demon), on the chest.
“For instance, the guardian for people born in the Year of Tiger is a female demon. The accompanying accessory will be that of a female demon in accordance with traditional belief.
The headgear of this sign is made in the form of tiger faces in several layers,” he said.
Of the 12 costumes, six are for men and the other six for women, he said. “Again, that depends on the gender of the zodiac sign’s guardian,” said the designer.
The costume colour is that of the individual astral gemstone designated for each zodiac sign, he said, adding that a green or a gemstone in a green shade is good for people born in the Year of Tiger, and so green is the costume colour for this particular zodiac sign.
On the catwalk, the model’s face and body are painted accordingly.
There exists a strong traditional belief in various parts of Asia that the power of colours bring good — and bad — luck for the wearers under each zodiac sign.
Yellow, for example, is designated for people born on Monday.
In general, green and violet colours are also good for Monday people for the colours are thought to bring power and fortune, while red, which brings bad luck, should be avoided.
“This is a belief. It’s imaginary. We do not know for sure if it is real, but it’s worth looking closely into,” he said.
The designer noted that even though the creations are not for everyday use as they are far-out imagery, the idea is to bring — and adapt — the science of astrology closer to real life.
Roj said working for this collection was a whole new experience for him.
“I was very excited indeed when I worked on it. I like this collection very much for this is the first time that I am doing this kind of fashion work, adapting traditional ideas to my creations,” he said.
Roj’s collection is part of the Golden Tiger/Hidden Monkey exhibition, which is open to the public at the Jim Thompson Art Centre, Bangkok, until Feb 28.
Also included in the exhibition are Racing, animations by Wisut Ponnimit; Open the Sky, a sculpture and installation by Kamol Phaosavasdi; and Power of Scent, an adaptation of aromatherapy, designating essential oils to people of different zodiac signs. — Bangkok Post
source:http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/showbiz/48532-thai-fashion-meets-the-asian-zodiac
