One main attraction that took architecture back to its authentic Thai roots and a must see place was the ‘Grand Palace’ where the surrounding buildings exude elegance, attention to detail and ‘Grand’ was its fitting name. 

  

  

From the mythical creates of Kinnara (half man, half animal) to the repetition of dragons on the roof tops, there is much respect to animals and mythology.  

  

The Buddha’s statue who resides within the Grand Palace is surrounded by paintings, jewels and pearls and elevated on a golden throne, cocooned in the temple. When entering the temple, one cannot wear shoes or point their toes towards the Buddha as a sign of respect. The traditional etiquette and royal aesthetics is awe-inspiring and shows the grand palace as homage to the respect of religion, culture and belief. 

  

These golden, jewel encrusted buildings has filtered down to Thai fashion whether it be in the shoes, bags or make up and even fashion accessories like mirrors. Gold plating, jewel adornment and floral etching have evidently been a part of Thai fashion pieces in the local shops. The traditional Buddha and temple is celebrated even in a modern context. 

  

There is a love of vibrant colour and detailed jewelling, I saw it in everyday wear amongst the public, with people taking the sky train for work and students going to school, all basic wear has been customised with artistic manicures, golden brooches, heavy jewellery and funky shoes and bags to turn a basic outfit to unique styling. Accessorising is vibrant and plentiful. Gold is a pinnacle colour in the Thai palette.

The love for golden embellishments seems to have passed through the waters and onto the eastern fashion scene with many designers using it in their runway collections. Like the ones below with Milly Spring 2010 RTW and Roland Mouret Spring/Summer 2010 collection to name a few. 

  

  

Western brands have overtaken the shopping malls with the likes of Armani, Prada and Chanel being adored and adorned. To get the fine, authentic Thai fashion sense, you will need to know the less opulent places; go to Thai Markets and trade fairs for a chance to see the merge of eastern Thai tradition with ornamental products and modern western fashion.