Normally making stylish leather accessories, Jirayong Anumanrajadhon takes on innovative materials and exquisite Thai craft in creating Phya limited editions, whose proceeds will raise funds for the Chaipattana Foundation.
The Phya founder and creative director collaborated with textile expert Jarupatcha Achavasmit and nielloware master Uthai Jeansiri in making the elegant handbag named Napat, referring to blessed with knowledge and development.
This charitable project was inspired by the nation's continuous development under the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose more than 4,000 royal projects across the country cover all aspects in bettering the lives of Thai people.
"As a Thai citizen, I want to make a contribution by creating a work of art related to what I do, that is making handbags, as an act of gratitude in remembrance of King Bhumibol Aduyadej," said Jirayong. The design of the Napat handbag considered aesthetics and functionality along with incorporating elements symbolising the late king's works.
She designed the base of the bag with four legs at the corners to evoke the base of the Chaipattana water aerator. The lotus blossom motif symbolises perseverance depicted in The Story Of Mahajanaka penned by King Bhumibol.
The flower is embroidered with metal-infused thread on a special textile made by Jarupatcha Achavasmit, the co-founder of Ausara Surface, whose innovative materials include transmuted fibres infused with carbon, tin, copper, brass and stainless steel.
"A special creation for Phya, the intricately hand-woven material consists of several types of fibre resulting in a refined yet strong and durable texture of tin and brass fibres coated by a patina technique that aesthetically achieves the best possible lustrous colour for the Napat bag," Jarupatcha explained.
Nielloware master Uthai Jeansiri meticulously crafted the handle varying in 10 patterns, using a traditional technique unique to Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
The design allows the handle to be hidden, thereby transforming Napat into a chic clutch bag.
The limited edition of 99 pieces comprises of 89 bags, whose structure is made with 93% silver, and 10 bags coated with 99.99% pure gold using Thai traditional technique.
The bags are individually coded on the latch, with the golden editions numbered 9, 89, and 99 for auction.
The other golden Napat bags are priced at 459,000 baht and the silver versions 359,000 baht. Proceeds will support royal projects under the Chaipattana Foundation.
For more information, visit phyaphilo.com or call 02-656-1365.
