Plaire Pimchanok Chaiphet

Grey Sheep

https://www.instagram.com/p.laire

Location

london / United Kingdom

University

kingston university

Graduation year

2018

Contact

I was born in Thailand and spent my formative years there until moving to the UK in my early teens. I feel comfortable with the culture of both countries, seeing myself as a cultural hybrid influenced by the rich heritage and history of my birth country, but also attracted to the advanced technology aesthetic of the UK and London. I feel this dual cultural background does not limit my outlook in my design processes but enables me to see and appreciate a diversity of ideas and influences. I define myself as one of a younger generation who is passionate about traditional textile techniques and fine handicraft which is disappearing as technology advances in this fluid digital world.

Latest Collection

2200: The Royal Cyborgs

Thailand has been in control of a military government for quite some time and the long overdue general election has been repeatedly delayed; whilst the recent death and funeral of the beloved 9Th Thai king deeply affected all Thais it diverted attention from these issues and affected the whole country not just emotionally but also economically. The collection highlights the issues which concern its people and uses the rich culture and heritage through the medium of a dystopian science fiction film. The collection is a combination of the future and the past, looking back to late 1800s when the reign of the 5th King was signified by the modernization of Thai infrastructure and by governmental and social reforms, which also led onto the modernisation of women’s fashion. Inspiration has come from the luxurious garments worn by the queens and princesses of this period to create the elaborate silhouette.
The total contemporary evening wear 6 looks will be accompanied by heavily embroidered statement accessories; harness, belt, necklace and military sash. Inspired by the aesthetic of cyborg characters in science fiction film, Swarovski crystal beads will be integrated into hand embroidered statement accessories, together with unwanted electrical components found in an electronic workshop such as cartridge fuses, crimp connectors and integrated circuit sockets. An LED light strip will also then be integrated onto the finished piece to add a futuristic technology aesthetic and catwalk impact. The design of accessories aims to represent the opposite sides of Thailand, recycled electronic components representing poverty and homelessness and on the other hand Swarovski crystal will represent the long period of the extravagant luxury of the royal family. The combination of the luxurious aesthetic of Swarovski crystal and old unwanted material will convey the political message that Thai people have always overlooked.