Youthapong Charoenpan
Mob.F represents a pioneering collaboration between the Siam Center and trendy ‘new wave’ brands forged by the creative ingenuity of 40 Thai fashion designers.
The project, which is based on the fourth floor of the Siam Center, currently represents the stylish cutting edge of local fashion and design creativity.
Mob.F was officially launched in December 2009, but it has already easily garnered lots of attention among local fashionistas, who follow the very latest trends and developments when it comes to attire.
‘Do we wear clothes or do clothes wear us?’
This is one of the questions Thai people should keep in mind when we’re about to purchase new items of clothing.
To be frank, most Thai people tend to go for famous, household name brands in order to avoid looking cheap and ridiculous, although, on a practical level, it doesn’t necessarily always succeed. However, in my opinion, you need to risk looking uncool before you are able to discover and develop your own style.
Some suggest that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but that’s not true when it comes to the cut-throat competition within Thai fashion circles. Fashion should be based on inspiration, but not cloning. This group of Thai designers seems all too aware of this fact, creating innovative, original ideas and products through their own intelligence and creativity.
For example, Mark Maruwut, creator of the Spooknic brand, has gone in for vivid colors this season, with red being the favorite. He offers casual wear that creates a stylish but simple line, the highlight being some colorful floral prints.
Chanachai Jareeyathana brings NO.27 to life with his foxy but not trashy looking outfits for chic females. This outlet represents Chanachai’s third outlet, following 27 Friday and 27 November, which have provided many a stylish item inside the wardrobes of the capital’s fashionistas.
Rush hours
When I visited Mob.F during its busiest period (5-9 pm), most of the customers were young women in their early 20s. The crowd was noticeably chic and fashion conscious and the venue was creatively designed, making it easy for customers to find the different brands, each with their own circular shaped shopping area. While skinny jeans remain popular, I noticed that pants with high waists for women, a popular item during the 1970s, are making a comeback.
The other throwback to the 1970s is the reappearance of oversized sunglasses, which many of us find fashionably wicked. These bulbous, goggle-like shades look simply fabulous and will tend to be worn by the fashion conscious throughout the summer. On a lighter note, it’s not unusual to spot the odd fashion victim wearing a pair in the evening in a dimly lit club or bar, often embarrassing themselves by stumbling around and clumsily bumping into other people or things.
Talent spring
It’s fair to point out that Mob.F represents a battlefield for rising Thai talent on the fashion circuit, allowing them to compete using their gut feelings and creativity. It’s a really nice spot to celebrate the coming of summer with a sumptuous shopping spree and pick up some truly enchanting items.
Among the other designers featured at Mob.F are Monosodium, Northernland, Number 27, ‘British Funky style’ by Paul B, ‘Cutting Edge Design’ by Underdog Fight Back, Good for Nothing, Inspired by Inner Complexity, The Alchemists and others possessing the know how when it comes to attracting people’s attention through their unique design style.
You can also browse among ornaments and accessories, such as jewelry branded under the concept ‘the Art of Nature’ by M Design, bags by Natta, ornaments produced in contemporary Thai style by Celcius, transparent and other forms of necklaces created by Aztique. Along with some limited edition jewelry produced by Chio by La Chiocciolina were all beautifully designed and worth purchasing.
A healthy bite
As for a practical food option during a visit to Mob.F, try White Café XS, since it never seems to disappoint thanks to its tasty fusion food and drinks. Owner Benja Nantakwang once ran White Café before developing White Café Catering, which has grown into one of the capital’s best known creative catering companies.
For further information regarding Mob.F, cal Tel: +66 (0)2 658 1491-2.
Transport connections:
Train: The easiest way to reach Siam Center is to take the BTS skytrain and disembark at Siam.
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