Bowtie pins and wristwatch bracelets

BANGKOK — Affordable, lighter accessories are in vogue for the younger set. What my generation lacks in precious gems, it makes up with ingenuity and flair.

At Bangkok’s central shopping district I was pleasantly surprised to find the new location of WWA, a local underground fashion label.

Unlike its previous location, which could accommodate only one or two customers at a time, the new store near Siam Square is more spacious and carries other independent brands such as our favorite, The Alchemists.

One of the new offerings that caught my eye was the accessory collection of Pirada Senivongse of Trimode Studio.

The line is comprised of bowtie pins and wristwatch bracelets made of silicone rubber, and unusual rings made of synthetic gemstones.

Started in 2005, Trimode Studio is a triumvirate of talented designers who decided to put up shop showcasing each of their artistic expressions.

Pirada creates stylish, youthful accessories; her twin sister Paradis designs home décor and souvenirs; while Shinpanu Athichathanabadee produces furniture.

“Although we all have our own area of expertise, we always work together as a group. We help each other brainstorm and create a concept for every collection. We even critique our own works,” Pirada said.

Pirada, 27, graduated with honors at Thailand’s Silpakorn University, with a degree in Decorative Arts. She launched her first collection for Trimode Accessories in 2008 after completing her masters in Jewellery Design at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in the U.K.

She confesses: “I get inspired in everything that surrounds me, from human behavior, politics and even our country’s economic condition.” Among of her staple pieces are two rubber wristbands, which spell “Design — Save the Country” (to promote the design industry that can boost the local economy) and “Stopp Watch” (to remind us that we all need to chill from our busy lifestyle).

Although each collection is precious to Pirada, she considers the “Slize” and “In the Mood of Wood” rings as two of her favorites because of their simplicity and classic style.

In Bangkok, Trimode Accessories can be found at Bangkoksmiths (Siam Paragon), The Myth (Gaysorn Plaza), WWA (Siam Square), The Oddysee Mode Visual Loft (Siam Center) and soon at Playhound Shop.

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To know more go to http://www.trimodestudio.wordpress.com