From Bangkok to New York: Thai designers VIKTEERUT, Landmeé, TAKARA WONG Studios, and SARRAN take it “Up To The Sky” with NYFW showcase
In moments of New-Yorker commuting, tourist interactions, and cultural exchange, the Manhattan skyline became a backdrop of what continues to be a growing dialogue of Thai design and delicacy. Under the concept “Savor the Culture, Live the World,” leading Thai designers VIKTEERUT, Landmeé , TAKARA WONG Studios, and SARRAN brought Bangkok energy to New York at the One World Observatory on February 13 for their NYFW showcase.
Rooted with the intention of framing Thai contemporary design within a global urban landscape, the project, titled “Up To The Sky,” celebrates its fourth consecutive collaboration with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) via the Thai Trade Center, New York. Directed by Tan Sawaddichai in collaboration with WDYW New York and 3NY, this continuing project supports emerging designers while also showcasing the latest in contemporary international fashion.
Up To The Sky
Reimagining Thai culture into contemporary fashion that is modern and wearable, “Up To The Sky” seamlessly highlights the range rather than uniformity of Thailand’s burgeoning creative hub. From the sharp, avant garde, and geometric tailoring of VIKTEERUT, to the light and airy poise that Landmeé brought with their iconic lace and denim — it was pride in cultural craftsmanship that permeated the entire runway. Moving between craft, experimentation, heritage, and global perspective, each designer expressed charm and depth that was uniquely Thai.
VICKTEERUT: “Wish Me Luck”
VICKTEERUT, headed by designers Teerut Wongtanasin and Auraphrapan Sudhinaraset, seeks to define modernity in their own interpretation of the unique blending of classic vs. innovative sensuality, black and white with graphic colors, and sharp tailoring that creates elevated, yet wearable pieces for the modern urban woman.
They kicked off the show with their latest collection, “Wish Me Luck,” deliberated with themes of structure and memory, translating fond childhood memories, particularly the visual motif of fortune tellers or “cootie-catchers” into sharp geometric tailoring. The straight and structured lines of the beloved origami are reimagined into folded, pointed collars of jackets and off-the-shoulder dresses. The classic trenchcoat displayed a variety of fun plays on shapes, such as coned spirals, slitted cuts, and draping folds. Timeless monochrome colors aligned with bright pops of red and blue.
Our favorite looks of the night included this cream tunic tank top with sheer layering, paired with an asymmetrical skirt that gave a spiral effect with its descending layers. We were also awed by this smooth, beige trench coat with a shawl attachment and cone spiral detail.
VICKTEERUT reenvisions sophisticated silhouettes with the playful twist of childhood nostalgia, creating a uniform for the modern woman that is functional and versatile in both effortless everyday wear and chic evening attire. In VICKTEERUT’s eye, the modern woman moves through her routine purposely and gracefully, striding through an everchanging world.
Discover VIKTEERUT at vickteerut.com and on their official Instagram @vikteerutofficial.
TAKARA WONG STUDIOS: “Silently Loud”
Frontiered by Thakorn Wannawong, TAKARA WONG Studios values imperfections as hidden perfections, centering itself around the unity of diverse subcultures. Their FW26 collection elevates the brands guiding philosophy of “Silently Loud,” focusing on subculture as cultural continuity. Using archetypes of rock ‘n’ roll and underground music as a creative outlet, TAKARA WONG Studios reinterprets the culture of the wild west in a rebellious yet instinctually-raw way. Classic western-style silhouettes are reimagined into reconstructed, structured jackets, with varying fabrics overlaid by a myriad of patterns.
As subcultures and music serve as a driving force in the DNA for TAKARA WONG, the brand’s commitment to experimentation is a powerful ode to Thai design and identity. Standout looks become a melting pot of populations, similar to Bangkok – the classic trenchcoat dramatized by the lace pants that layer beneath it, a double-breasted Olive satin suit with a mischievous leopard print shirt peeking through, and a reworked houndstooth jacket serving pure maximalism.
Valuing character over polish, TAKARA WONG Studios’ balances unparalleled Thai craftsmanship with a sharp and unfaltering loyalty to individuality.
Get lost in TAKARA WONG Studios’ “Silently Loud” philosophy at takarawongstudios.com and @takarawongstudios on Instagram.
LANDMEÉ: “Passion Changes Everything”
Created to celebrate strong, independent, sophisticated, and young-at-heart women, womenswear brand Landmeé, pioneered by founder and creative director Netdaw Vattanasimakon (Mee), leads with the heart by embracing the power of trial and error. Emulated through iconic heart motifs, signature denim, and lace that sits at the core of the brand’s DNA, Landmeé reinterprets strength in delicacy through Baroque-eqsue 80s romanticism with their collection, “Passion Changes Everything.” Exploring the connection of emotional energy and personal passion, the collection reflects on contemporary desires through dramatic, drop-waist denim skirts and a romantic airy flair of appliquéd ruffle dresses, all encapsulated within a childlike, nostalgic realm.
Capturing the freshness and lightness at the heart of Landmeé’s identity, pastel yellows took the form of flowing maxiskirts with the slight cheekiness of laser cut detailing. Swinging shift dresses and crop tops were defined by bold colors, and childlike doodling. And to top it off, the chicest pair of statement tights. Fit for a valentine’s weekend, and everyday wear nevertheless, “Passion Changes Everything” serves as a reminder that girlhood, the childlike passion for femininity – can coexist with the cool, modern, and chic.
Landmeé’s “Passion Changes Everything” may be a creative, whimsical, and whirlwind escape, but the heart and ethos of Netdaw Vattanasimakon remains infinitely grounded post-show – interweaving the spirit of Bangkok from design to design. For Landmeé’s first international stage this FW26 season, passion isn’t only motivation and inspiration, but passion is at the heart of Landmeé’s creative legacy.
Delve more into the land of Landmeé at landmee.com and on their official instagram @landmee_official.
SARRAN: “The Ambassador Collection”
Jewelry designer Sarran Youkongdee closed out the presentation with his FW26 collection, “The Ambassador,” making this SARRAN’s official NYFW runway debut. After the acclaim of “Light of Lotus No. 001,” a custom piece designed for Lisa Manobal at the world premiere of The White Lotus Season 3, SARRAN continues its narrative of spotlighting Thailand’s history of cultural exchange and artisanal craftsmanship.
“The Ambassador” draws inspiration from Siamese ambassadors during the Ayutthaya era who embarked on envoy journeys to partake and learn from regional art and crafts across the Kingdom. The collection also pays homage to Queen Sirikit, the late Queen mother of Thailand, revered for being a pioneer of modernizing Thai fashion, culture, and tradition.
The central motif was the dok-rak, translated directly as “flower of love.” They’re heavily used in Thai floral crafts, such as malai, handcrafted garlands that are used for gifts, weddings, spiritual offerings, and decoration. The visual connection of handcrafted flower garlands with the intimate craftsmanship of SARRAN’s jewelry is especially prominent in the evening’s showcase. Delicate weavings of blossoming gold flowers glinted against the backdrop of dark ceremonial robes, branching into intricate headpieces, brooches with draping vines, and bold statement earrings fit for the royal courts.
The highlight of this collection was also the final look of the entire showcase — a stunning bralette top of thin, gold branches and dotted flowers that appeared to bloom against the model’s skin, paired along a majestic headpiece that wrapped around the ears and jaw.
SARRAN’s cultural legacy in jewelry crafting continues at sarranofficial.com and @sarranofficial on Instagram.
Savor The Culture, Live The World
As all models from the four designers made their final lap down the runway, the diverse talent in Thai ingenuity and craftsmanship was clear. Each designer showcased the various ways in which craft functions as cultural dialogue, honoring heritage while reimagining the traditions that shape modern identity and design. To have four of Thailand’s leading designers on a single stage, on one of the biggest global fashion platforms, in the highest point in the country, marked not just a milestone, but a testament to the climbing ambition of Thai fashion. While bridging continents as representative cultural ambassadors, these Thai designers are also demonstrating the current and evolving future of Thai fashion and culture, reaching not only outward, but upward to new heights.
This focus on Thai artisans once-again highlights the growing impact Thailand’s burgeoning creative industry has on the global conversation of fashion. Between VIKTEERUT, Landmeé, TAKARA WONG Studios, and SARRAN – although each brand approaches FW26 from a distinct starting point, their commitment to Thai cultural heritage remains unfaltered. Alongside this, a close and tight-knit community of Thai designers, industry professionals, and brand muses continue to pioneer the future of Thailand’s cultural legacy. They set themselves apart as a creative industry not only full of talent, but Thai pride.
Interested in more Thai design? Check out EnVi’s fashion spotlight on emerging Thai designer Cherlyn Ornika!
