Inspiration - The Thai Collection

Our signature Thai Collection is inspired by the rich culture, colors and feel of Northern Thailand.

On a surprise VIP tour with the head monk at Wat Thaton. The Silver Cat high and low tops capture for me this place and moment in time. The outfit I am wearing is a modern take on traditional Lanna dress, designed by my friend, Sarisa.

I felt an instant connection to Northern Thailand the first time I visited, like I had been there before. From the mountains, cuisine and temples to the incredible textile traditions of the hill tribes, Northern Thailand is a vibrant and soulful place that is rich beyond words and filled with inspiration.  

Wat Chedi Luang, near the place where I always stay in Chiang Mai. I like to visit every morning when I’m there. The “Hmong kimono” is a gift from an artisan friend. The myriad temples covered in gold leaf are the inspiration behind the Gold Bird high and low tops.

Produced by artisans in a fair trade workshop in Northern Thailand, the modern textiles at the heart of this collection were designed as an homage to the wildly imaginative and colorful fashion traditions of Southeast Asia’s hill tribes.

Sarisa, an incredible Thai designer and a personal fashion icon of mine. Sarisa is training a younger generation of Thai and hill tribe women in fashion design and traditional embroidery. She is the scarlet Thai Flower.

There are several hill tribes (or ethnic minority groups) that live in Northern Thailand, each of which has their own distinct traditional dress, all of which are rich in color, texture and technique. My favorite hill tribe textiles are from the Hmong, whose traditional dress includes vivid, often clashing, color combinations with traditional craftsmanship that includes hand-embroidery, batik printing with indigo dyeing and bright, fringe bead work.

Vintage Hmong skirts made from handwoven hemp, also featuring hand embroidery, pin stripe applique and batik dyeing. I love the pastel pinks, yellow and blues on these skirts, the colors which made their way into the Thai Flower slip ons in pink.

This traditional craftsmanship is often worn with more modern interpretations and productions of their dress, such as embroidered textiles similar to the ones created by our artisans for this collection. The Hmong fashion is a true kaleidoscope of color that stole my heart, and I know it will capture yours as well! — Jessica

Old City Wall, Chiang Mai.