Whitesp ce

I'm so glad I have a friend like Kawadjan in Bangkok who has the same appetite for art and fashion like, moi. I am presuming here actually given he's allergic to any word that reminds him of food so 'appetite' might be a 'no-no'. But then again, I'm presuming he's more inclined to be voracious of some other 'appetite' but that's another story altogether and I suggest you visit his blog if you are so inclined to discover what it is.

Anyway, he brought me to Whitesp ce, an art gallery devoted to edgy, hip and cool artworks by artists pushing the boundaries of art.

The gallery space is modest and a bit tiny compared to some other spaces I've seen. It works in making you more intimate with the artworks displayed.

When I visited they had this artist using his blood as medium for his paintings. I'm sorry I didn't get his name.

From what I understood with his statement, he is commenting about the currency of life and the value of it amidst the global situation we are all experiencing. Funny how the economic crisis is fueling creativity among many artists, non?

A video installation depicts the process of creation.

It's both repulsive and fascinating to watch it. I guess, you really must have strong guts to stomach it. Very 'Young British Artist', those popular conceptual group who rose to prominence during the 1990's who used 'shock tactics' (employing bodily fluids, sex and taboo subject matter as a take-off point) for their art. Leading artists of that group are Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Very, very fascinating to watch. I'm glad they included the video because it really enhanced my appreciation and value for the artwork and the artist. I was really impressed!

And to enhance the total experience, part of tiled area where you are asked to remove your footwear, the artist painted these floral designs using his blood. Definitely not for the faint hearted.

7, 2nd fl.

My friend Kawadjan was instrumental in bringing me to this hidden gem somewhere in the inner bowels of Siam Square. I remember passing by this movie cinema and then walking up a flight of stairs. A little bit of curiosity and bravery (the building looks rundown in a sort of cool, hipster kind of way) and you will discover a row of cool shops and art galleries. 7, 2nd fl. is one of those shops you have to enter.

The sign outside says it all: 'SECONDHAND'! Was I excited or what?!

OMG! It's so cool. I'm so inspired just by being there. I was thanking Kawadjan profusely and telling him it's such an inspiration for me to go there. I don't know how to articulate it except I understand what the owners of the shop are trying to do.

The secondhand pieces they were selling are edited according to the impeccable taste of the shop owners. There's a sort of country slash bohemian feel to the selections. Think Laura Ashley meets Luella Bartley. Lots of pale colors, flowers and dusty browns.

I was urging Kawadjan to buy this early 80's Calvin Klein top but he deemed it too 'feminine' for his taste.

I got lucky and found this Issey Miyake wrinkled top. Earlier that day I passed by the Pleats Please Issey Miyake store and drooled over the pieces on sale. A regular priced top cost around $300. I was definitely ecstatic to find a pleated number and a main line piece pa! It cost me 600baht only and I got a discount voucher for use when I return. Of course, they will see me again. LOL!

Kawadjan was more inclined to get this printed chiffon piece he finds perfect as a beach cover-up. He was so into houndstooth and polka dots, and what better piece than having both in one piece.

I don't know if you can see but the white button down he's wearing has houndstooth pattern, also.

Aside from selling secondhand clothing, they also sell brand new clothes designed by the shop owners called TaaToh and Sritala.

I tried this really cool jacket from TaaToh. It's gonna be on my must-buy list.

TaaToh means owl and you can see that in the label. I think it's cute.

Here's Kawadjan having a laugh with the owner/designer of 7, 2nd fl.

My friend Loven would totally drool over those vintage suitcases at the back.

BIG PROBLEM

Totally frustrated with technology. My photo uploader doesn't function properly and my bloghost has this HUGE move which affected everyone including missing pictures and other glitches I'm too tired to explain. That is the reason why I haven't updated for some days now. I am trying to find solutions of getting around this problem. I love blogging and it's one of those things I'm happy doing. Anyways, just letting you know what's happening. Hope to be back soonest!

Kawaii

Bangkok Arts & Culture Center houses some of the cutest, despite the huge sizes, of contemporary artworks.

The latest one unveiled is this robot made of aluminium, I presume. It makes a sound, move its head and hands, and has lights coming out of its eyes. I wish I could take it home. LOL!

Fashion Diary with 'IT' :

Top: DP destroyed tank and shrug from CVS

Bottom: DP pants

Accessories: Vivienne Westwood belt bag and Muji sneakers

This '1914' robot looks manga-ish, straight from the pages of some Japanese cartoons, non?

Outside of BACC, a giant tumbler spills some seriously colored 'jewels' on the street. Public art in Bangkok rocks!

You've seen this one from my previous post a few moons ago. Well, I discovered its name is 'Dollar 009' and its by Thai artist, Lolay Thaweesak Srithongdee. She is made of fibreglass and coated with industrial grade paint. According to the artist statement, she is supposed to represent human beings adapting to the unpredictable changes like economy, environment, politics, technology, etc. The 'Dollar' name pertains to the United States and how it affects the rest of the world in so many aspects.

Wonder Anatomie

I was so excited to see this store ever since Kawadjan gave me this skull printed pin he got from the same designers of Wonder Anatomie.

I was too shy to take photos inside the store but this is what it looks outside.

There's a sort of goth/rocker feel to their wares. Sorta Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester and Rad Hourani-ish. Not an exact copy, no, but you would like their stuff if you are into those designers.

I picked this top to try.

I think it's really nice. The cotton jersey they used is very soft.

And the skull patches on the sleeves are adorable.

The label.

The tee reminds me of Undercover.

This dress looks so sweet but closely it's macabre. Wednesday Addams would definitely approve.

Wonder Anatomie is at Siam Discovery.

Things

Picked this spiky number in one of those no-name stalls in JJ. For 100baht, it has become my fave wrist adornment lately along with a 'snake' bracelet from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Between Greyhound and Playhound, it's the latter that's more quirky and fun. And I tend to buy more Playhound because the prices are neat and they always seem to present more varied styles. Me and my friends (especially the ones residing in Bangkok like Kawadjan) noticed that Greyhound keeps repeating the same old moody, dark and tailored pieces. The designs are good and yummy wearable, don't get me wrong. But if you've been a fan you'd be bored with the same old stuff, non? Both labels are produced by the same company, btw.

Anyway, I was bummed when I fitted this trompe l'oeil shorts by Playhound because it didn't fit me and it's the only one they have. I really wanted to buy it.

The photoprint is so amazing! It's a white shorts printed with this tattered denim shorts.

It's a small and I'm a medium. Darn, no worries though. It's still part of their spring/summer collection and they will have new stocks coming. I'm pretty sure I'll have it in my hands next time I'm in Bangkok.

I really, really, love this. Tsk, tsk...

Passed by TipayaphongPoosanaphong's store and I could'nt help but steal a shot.

Cute, non?

Rosniyom

Rosniyom is this stall/shop tucked on one end of JJ.

They sell organic cotton and folksy looking stuff. I like that it's not so National Geographic-esque.

They have a little cafe called Chill Temper Cafe. How cute is that? The bag hanging is made of some textured woven material with ikat pattern. Really nice but I decided I had too many eco bags already.

The pieces being sold were cool cotton dresses with fab printed graphics.

The effect of the shop is very relaxed and sort of arts and craft-y.

I love this print.

But I ended up buying this tee, instead. It's so soft and I like how it's cut.

I like the label.

And I love, love, love the print. It reminds me so much of Steven Klein's photographs of horses. I'm glad I stumbled on this shop.

JJ stuff

These hanging planters looked so cute. I'd get the black and white. It could be a bird feeder, too.

Checked out Another Place and didn't like their new collection.

Funny tee: NEED HOLIDAY. WHERE IS HOLIDAY. LOL!

This shop has some of the coolest printed wares. A little bit expensive and somewhat folksy for my taste but very creative. I forgot the name of the label.

WHY SL? I was reprimanded for taking a picture! And it's so expensive for something like that. I laughed a little when the seller told me it's 2000baht each. It's funny though.

I was thirsty from looking around and decided to try this milk tea. The tender was featured in Bangkok Post

I don't know if by doing that it makes the tea taste better, though. If I'm really rich I would want my tea maker doing that thing, too. Masarap yung tea ha.

Chatuchak (JJ) Thrifting in Bangkok

There's one large section in JJ devoted to selling all sorts of secondhand stuff. The latest craze were these vintage military uniforms. It's all sorted out like one stall sells white buttondown shirt only; another one sells plaid pieces only, and the craziest is this stall with everyone dumpster diving over American printed tees like Beefeaters, Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. I mean...! Definitely not my scene. Lol!

There's an entire big section of just bags. All kinds of bags.

Branded, pre-selected ones get special stalls like these. Say hello to Gucci, Prada, Chanel, etc. Chanel seems to be the brand du jour of the moment. I was looking for Helmut Lang but wasn't really lucky in finding one.

This non-branded sling bag caught my eye. I think it's cool with the leather trims and vintage feel to it. Didn't buy though because I'm aiming for something more cooler.

Lots of REAL Vivienne Westwood. Pink Longchamp Le Pliage, anyone? They know the brand and the prices reflects that. This VW one goes for 1800Baht.

This piece is nice. Partially you can see a Dior logo bag above it.

The quality of the pieces were almost brand new. A medium size VW goes for 12,000Baht if new so getting it a little less the quarter of the prize is still a bargain if you're really hankering for one. I was lucky to nab a VW in Manila for a sweet price from this swell gal (you know who you are!) so I wasn't to excited about having another one, yet.

Shoes galore!

This Red or Dead sneakers looks cute (lace!) but it didn't fit, moi.

I didn't explore the whole ukay section of JJ. Maybe next time when I come back and with a little less baggage (I was overweight from Manila already) I'd explore more of it intently. It's worth checking out.

Bangkok (Again!)

THE Kawadjan, my BFF in Bangkok, slotted me in his busy schedule of charity events, ribbon cuttings and feeding programs, to accompany his slumdog friend for some escapist sightseeing. Muji is always the default meeting place and purposely restrained myself from buying some more of their paper products that I hoard. I'm glad Kiks gave me the red canvas sneaks from Muji Japan so it was easy for me to let go of the olive green leather sneaks I'm considering buying next time.

Liz and Andy were there, too!

We checked out Suam Lun Night Market. This skull phone looks so tacky in a fun way.

Fashion Diary, of course!

Top: given by Jaki Penalosa. I forgot the brand but it's so cool. I can hike it up and make the collar into a hoodie.

Bottom: DP pants

Shoes: Muji

Bag: Jeremy Scott x Longchamp 'Stomp' Le Pliage

Kawadjan's Kloset:

Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs tee

Bottom: some cheap jeans probably brought in Khaosan

Bag: dotted 7,2nd Fl. tote

Shoes: New Balance

Neckpiece: DP tassel necklace

Watch: plastic thingy I gave him before

Shopping sure makes K hungry! Here I snapped him as he's inhaling a can of Pringles.

The only thing I bought in there was this 'robot' necklace inspired by the popular PRADA keychains. I think 'he' looks funny. I wanted to check out One Hidden Agenda but they were close for that day. There's a lot of cute stuff and wonderfully designed clothes being peddled there. I guess, my only 'thing' is that there's stuff you can buy at JJ for less but there's other stuff you can only buy at Suam Lun. The local labels are the worth the check.

In the Whitehouse guesthouse that I stayed I snapped this 'what do you call that?' wall decor for Loven. He's been looking for something similar like that to decorate the house and Poetry.