For SS15, Ong-Oaj Paraim was inspired by his fragmented memories of
growing up alongside his family’s Noodle factory in Nakhon Ratichasima,
Thailand. Memories that Ong-Oag pieced together with a dream like logic.
An air of childlike innocence starts the show as first on the catwalk
are doll like dresses in baby pink with dropped waists and a delicate Cherry
Blossom print. Hand sewn organza Cherry Blossom appliqués cluster around the
hemline in true Ong-Oaj signature style.
Pleated mini skirts and dresses with blazers are reminiscent of the
school uniform showing a clean cut preppy style but also the start of a
rebellious punk teenager with the inclusion of bright metallic leather, an untucked
blouse and large looser pleats.
Body skimming knee length dresses shed the innocence with a more sophisticated
style.
Signature dresses of the
collection give a nod to the Thai Sabai (a long piece of silk which is draped
over one shoulder and down the back), Ong-Oaj has updated the style allowing
the silk sash to fall over the front and drape at the side. In dusky pink moiré silk.
Colour palette is inspired by the vivid pinks, greens and blues of the
local street food markets and pastel hues faded by the tropical sun.
With his family’s noodle factory in mind, utilitarian functional work
wear is present with boiler suits and parkas in luxurious fabrics such as moiré
and in shades of pastel pinks, blues and fresh mint green.
Inspired by the lucky goldfish bowl outside the family’s factory, Ong-Oaj’s
designs a tropical fish print for his leather sleeved trench coat. As though
the fish is growing, the print is enlarged in a bomber jacket (seen further below) and palazzo
pants (seen above right image).
Brought up surrounded by many different oriental cultures and
traditions, Japanese and Chinese influence can be seen in the collection. A
print features rows of Samurai warriors in silhouette softened by pastel hues. Knee high gladiator boots with kitten heels
also have a touch of Japanese inspiration with hand painted designs and Samurai
style stitching.
Wide legged culottes and trousers are a modern take of the Japanese
Hakama pants using softer fabric for fluidity. Ong-Oaj keeps the deep pleats at
the front and back for fullness and the front tie. When the model turns around,
the traditional wide and semi rigid trapezoid section can be seen on the
waistband, more to be aesthetically pleasing rather than the original reason of
support for the back.
East meets West as the Chinese Cheongsam (or Mandarin) dress is transformed
in to a long flowing evening gown. The print is a combination of Chinese
symbols and Ong-Oaj’s tropical fish surrounded by French Baroque style frames.
Evening wear shows a feminine and empowered woman. Flowing sunray pleated floor length skirts
are teamed with structured boned bodices. Teamed with the gladiator boots, the
models look ready to storm the dance floor.
Couture ball gowns juxtapose with full fairy tale skirts and a strong
bustier bodice. The use of the tropical
goldfish (seen on top image) and Chinese symbol (above image) prints adds a touch of the Orient.
And let's not forget Ong-Oaj's love of the 50’s, he can’t help adding a retro
style swimsuit under a diaphanous and hand embroidered silk swing skirt.
Contact Ong-Oaj directly for a made to measure piece.
Tel: 07584 195 453
