A Bangkok fashion guide begins in Siam, where several of the city’s great malls stand within a short walk of the BTS Skytrain. Thai designers have a confident, graceful voice, from tailored evening wear to playful street couture, and the capital’s central districts are the easiest place to meet them. Here is a route for travelers who like to shop with a point of view.
Start at Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is the anchor of the district and has hosted Bangkok International Fashion Week in recent years, a sign of how central it is to the city’s style scene. Several Thai labels have long been associated with the mall. Asava, founded by designer Polpat Asavaprapha, is known for polished work and evening wear with clean lines, classic cuts and strong color. Its younger sibling, ASV, is more relaxed.
Greyhound, a pioneering Thai fashion house, is another name to look for. Stores and stockists change from season to season, so confirm what’s on the shelves before you set out.
Wander through Siam Center and Siam Discovery
Next door, the Siam malls have a reputation for introducing young Thai designers. Look for multi-brand boutiques that gather emerging labels under one roof, and for names such as Flynow, created by designer Chamnan Pakdeesuk, which pairs playful daywear with more glamorous evening lines. Theatre, from Sirichai Daharanond, is known for whimsical, imaginative pieces.
Give this part of the day a loose schedule. The pleasure is in browsing, trying on and finding a piece you won’t see at home.
Continue to Phrom Phong and The Emporium
A short ride along Sukhumvit brings you to The Emporium, beside BTS Phrom Phong, which has carried independent Thai boutiques alongside international names. It’s calmer than central Siam, and a good place to pause for coffee or a late lunch.
Finish with a story of silk
No Bangkok fashion day is complete without the fabric that started it all. Thai silk found a worldwide audience through Jim Thompson, and our guide to Jim Thompson House and the story of Thai silk explains how. A visit there makes the designs you’ve seen all day feel rooted in craft.
Tips for shopping in Bangkok
Malls open late morning and stay open into the evening, which suits a slow start. Air-conditioned shopping is a gift in the hot season, and the Skytrain makes moving between districts easy. Many shops can arrange tailoring, so allow an extra day if a piece needs adjusting.
Designers open, close and relocate stores often, and the details here reflect what was known as of this writing. A quick look at each label’s own channels before you go will keep the day running smoothly.
