Tips on tops from notable stylist T-On
Youthapong Charoenpan
Ton Kamnuansaeng, better known as T-On, finds satin more interesting than Russian President Vladimir Putin, Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ for 2007.
T-On has been working for seven years as a fashion stylist for Image, Mars, and other leading fashion magazines, as well as carrying out similar responsibilities for various companies’ advertising campaigns. For example, he’s the man behind the latest campaign promoting Thai Airways International (THAI)’s business class.
Creative streak
One of the most important aspects of fashion styling is truly understanding fashion, and being able to see beyond the trends. It’s the clothes that count, and the stylist needs to put them together in a creative way so they can be used in advertising, magazines, or on the catwalks.
During lunch on a recent advertising photo shoot, T-On talked to Youthapong Charoenpan, who afterwards headed home to make some major adjustments to the contents of his wardrobe.
Youthapong Charoenpan (YC): Personally, I love wearing jeans, but what do you consider to be the key when wearing denim pants?
T-On (TO): Jeans are certainly versatile and fun. Basically, they go with almost any kind of shoes, although personally I don’t like to see them being worn with black loafers.
Also, it’s important to make sure the length of your jeans is just right. If they’re too long or too short the person wearing them either looks silly or dirty.
YC: And what do you think of skinny jeans?
TO: They’re just fine as long as your legs aren’t too short and fat. But what can I say? It’s a fashion thing!
YC: Any tips for what kind of tops to go for?
TO: The most important thing is that they shouldn’t be too thin or too tight. This is particularly true if you’re wearing skinny jeans. If you wear a tight top with them, you’ll look something like a lizard!
YC: Any tips on choosing what colors to wear?
TO: We should have fun with colors. I don’t know who said red and green don’t work well together, for example, do you? If red is the main color, with green in the minority, it can look very good. For example, think of nature and the beautiful combination red flowers when they’re complimented by green leaves.
YC: Are there any particular kinds of outfits you find particularly annoying?
TO: Well, let me start with the men. Is there any bigger turn off than seeing guys working downtown dressed in a decent outfit accompanied by a pair of sandals with white socks? I mean, come on! If you’re going to try to look smart, you better do it from head to toe.
When it comes to the ladies, they really need to avoid this fashion faux pas - wearing a black brassiere underneath an ultra-thin top. They should be locked up for that particular style crime – it just looks awful!
YC: People are getting more and more worried about their weight these days. Do you have any tips on what to wear if you need to watch your weight?
TO: I wouldn’t suggest avoiding hoops, as many people suggest, so long as the widths of the horizontal stripes vary. The same goes for floral designs – they’re just fine as long as the patterns are varied.
YC: Is there anything you’d consider just plain offensive?
TO: Well, no offense, but I really can’t bear those silly Korean hairstyles anymore. They rarely suit Thai guys, while they’re hardly the most practical idea in a tropical climate! Surely the heads of those who sport them must get hot and sticky?
Female Focus
YC: Where do you think is the best place to shop for clothes?
TO: Well, it might sound rather clichéd, but I really like visiting Chatuchak Market (JJ) on a Sunday morning.
What’s the point of buying expensive stuff all the time when you can bargain for nice things at reasonable prices? A nice expensive item can be set off nicely with something less flashy. You’ll still look funky without looking like a fashion victim.
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YC: Can you offer our readers any useful shopping tips?
TO: Certainly. One of my first suggestions would be, don’t simply rely on a single view of what you are considering purchasing. And try anything on you’re considering buying, whether it’s cheap or pricey.
It’s also better to wander away from the changing room once you’ve put on the item you’re considering buying. And make sure it’s comfortable, of course.
While it might sound like a gratuitous plug, I’m going to suggest that women reading this consider paying Platinum department store in Pratunam a visit. This could be particularly useful for women shopping for clothing on a tight budget.
I’ve seen so many TV stars snap up stuff from here for their wardrobes at reasonable prices. It makes no sense to destroy your life by undertaking a careless and expensive shopping spree. And remember, people with a positive and confident attitude can wear anything they want. People wear clothes, and it’s the person wearing them that should be in the limelight.
YC: Do you have any favorite local (Thai) designers?
TO: I may choose to pass on that one because I’m involved in numerous fashion collaborations. But I can say that there are many talented young fashion designers out there. This also makes sure that the sector is hugely competitive, as well as providing a good deal of enjoyment for those involved and the people that buy and wear the clothes.
YC: Thanks for talking to us. Let’s hope our chat can ensure our readers make the right kind of fashion choices.
TO: It’s been a pleasure, and I hope you’re right! |
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