Polpat Asavaprapha with Suquan Bulakul
Photographed in his Bangkok studio by Tom Hoops; Words by Naphalai AreesornPolpat Asavaprapha, founder and creative director of
leading Thai fashion house Asava, doesn’t hesitate when
asked to name his favourite muse—actress Suquan Bulakul,
the former Nation TV news anchor and current ambassador
for Japanese skincare label SK-II. “When I think about
the representation of my brand, I immediately think of
Suquan,” he says confi dently. “She’s smart, charming and
beautiful—truly a woman of the 21st century. I admire her
innate elegance. She has natural grace and poise and that
makes her a treasure to design for.”
Asavaprapha and the 46-year-old Suquan, who is married
to Farm Chokchai agribusiness magnate Choak Bulakul,
have known each other for a long time. “We have becomevery close over the years and I know her tastes well.
Working together is always laid-back and fun, and I just
know my clothes will look great on her,” says the graduate
of New York’s Parsons School of Design. Asavaprapha
cut his teeth in fashion in New York, where he worked
for Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani and Max Mara, before
returning to Thailand to launch his own business in 2008.
Today, Asavaprapha’s business has grown to include
fi ve lines—his couture label, Asava; a more youthful sister
line called ASV by Asava; Asava White for bridal; Uniform
by Sava, which produces stylish uniforms for the likes of
Bangkok Airways, Unilever and SO Sofi tel hotels; and his
latest venture, MOO, a menswear collection.
HAIR: CHAWAKIJ SUPHANPHONG; MAKE-UP: EKARINE WONGAGANIT
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