Thai designer Wisharawish Akarasantisook took inspiration from his own culture and gave it a twist — from head to toe — for his latest collection.
The 34-year-old presented a range of silk dresses and separates that he teamed with a line of companion mixed-material footwear at the Art of Thai Silk Reception & Fashion Show on Tuesday at the FIDM Museum in Los Angeles.
Hailing from Thailand’s northeastern province, Akarasantisook said the styles are an edited version of the Isan people’s penchant for vibrant colors and clashing patterns.
“It’s about the region where I was born in Thailand. The people in that area are very joyful and love to celebrate. The real life is not easy, so the way is to be festive,” Akarasantisook told Footwear News. “It’s taking a traditional thing and changing it in a contemporary way.”
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One of the most striking adaptations of a classic silhouette that Akarasantisook reimagined for the showcase is a revamped oxford. Akarasantisook’s interpretation features cutouts and slingback treatments, as well as variety of textiles such as smooth leather, pebbled leather, suede and glossy plastic materials on a lace-up profile.
“I played with the shape and color and added little illusions, but the shape is normal,” he explained.
The fashion show and reception celebrated the birthday of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit, who turns 84 on Friday, and her dedication to preserving the country’s local woven-textile arts.
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