In the past decade, the fashion industry has become more eco-conscious. Whether it’s mainstream brands increasingly crafting garments from sustainable materials upcycling old items into new ones, customers have welcomed more ideas when it comes to eco-friendly fashion movements. Despite this, it remains challenging for new, small, sustainablity-focused fashion brands to win the hearts of customers— but against all odds, Thai high-fashion brand Pipatchara has managed to do exactly that.
The Princesses of “Macrame”
Born out of their passion for Macrame— which is an esthetic form of textile produced using knotting techniques— Pipatchara is a collaboration between founder Phet Pipatchara Kaewjinda— a Thai fashion designer with extensive experience in Parisian fashion houses— and her sister Tubtim Jitrinee Kaewjinda, who specializes in sustainability. Established in 2018, Pipatchara was born out of a desire to merge artistry with everyday functionality. Initially focusing on leather, they eventually deemed these products unsuitable for Thailand’s hot and humid climate. Instead, the brand pivoted towards bags and channeled their passion into creating practical yet artful pieces.
The brand’s bags are characterized by unique designs inspired by nature’s hues, and are particularly eye-catching thanks to their intricate macramé patterns, which are crafted from imported genuine leather. Each collection showcases distinct designs, with a signature bag strap pattern reminiscent of macramé, a nod to traditional Thai craftsmanship. The fashion house’s best-seller is its AMU bag, which retails at THB 19,500 (at time of this article’s writing, 1 USD was trading at a rate of 35.47 THB.)
From Water Bottle Lids to Wearable Art
Pipatchara’s commitment extends beyond Thai fashion. It actively engages with communities— notably in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, where the brand collaborates with local artisans to produce its bags. Furthermore, the brand’s “Fashion for the Community” initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods, empowering artisans while fostering economic growth.
Pipatchara, under the leadership of Phet Pipatchara Kaewjinda, transforms discarded materials into a top-tier fashion label, maintaining its ethos as a “fashion brand for the public.” This Thai fashion brand has garnered attention for its eco-conscious approach, notably through its collaboration with ‘Infinitude’ by Pipatchara, which repurposes plastic waste from diverse origins into bags, accessories, and exquisite Thailand women’s clothing collections. This strategic move positions Pipatchara as a leading Thailand women’s clothing and handbag brand to be reckoned with. Moreover, Pipatchara’s ‘Infinitude’ collection represents a significant stride towards sustainability, utilizing recycled plastic waste to create marble-toned sheets, which are then fashioned into bags. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also elevates discarded materials into coveted fashion pieces.
Pipatchara talked about how their fashion business ideas uplift communities, society, and the environment:
“The more Thais are interested in sustainability, the more sustainability brands are emerging, and the more brands compete to save the world, the better it is.”
The Infinitude HEMATITE bag was the collection that elevated the brand’s status from a domestic brand to the major player on the international stage. This iconic bag retails at THB 21,900 and is 100% made of HDPE bottle lids.
From Rubbish Fields to International Fashion Week
With a focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless style, Pipatchara has garnered widespread acclaim, attracting both local and international clientele. Its presence at prestigious events, including an endorsement from Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, underscores its global appeal.
With storefronts in Japan, Dubai, France, and Thailand, Pipatchara strategically targets foreign markets, leveraging its reputation among influencers to gain international recognition. Its recent showcase at Dubai Fashion Week, featuring the “Eternal Symphony” collection, further solidified its global presence, epitomizing the brand’s ethos of turning waste into beauty on a worldwide scale.
Check out the sandals pictured below, which are absolutely to die for. Can you believe these two pairs of stunning, gorgeous sandals are entirely made out of bottle lids and food container waste?
Embodying the principles of Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People, Pipatchara epitomizes Thai craftsmanship and innovation. Despite its lengthy name, the brand’s compelling narrative and design excellence transcend language barriers, resonating with discerning consumers worldwide.
Marrying Craftsmanship with Sustainability
Despite the brand’s latest success in the up-cycled plastic waste collection, it remains faithful to its origin and respect of authentic craftsmanship. The brand’s classic product line, inspired by Moroccan macramé, features a diverse array of leather bags meticulously crafted with intricate patterns, reflecting Phet’s dedication to merging traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Prices vary depending on the product, ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 baht, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
In essence, Pipatchara exemplifies a harmonious blend of artistry, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, positioning itself as a formidable player in the global fashion landscape. Shop online for this eco-friendly high fashion brand on their website or follow them on Instagram @pipatchara to see the latest star adorning their body with Pipatchara’s stunningly transformed plastic waste!
