Advocacy
The ‘Wokeness’ of Female Disney Characters
Many Disney characters considered ‘woke’ this century are women or girls. In ...
Find out why Thai shoppers are crazy about Singapore’s ‘Beyond The Vines’, while Singaporeans are all over Thailand’s ‘Gentlewoman’.
Fashion has this incredible way of crossing borders and bringing together people with diverse tastes.
In an exchange of vibes, Thai and Singaporean fashion lovers are head over heels for each other’s homegrown brands. Thais are mad for Singapore’s ‘Beyond The Vines’, while Singaporeans are raving about Thailand’s ‘Gentlewoman’. So, what’s fuelling this cross-border fashion frenzy?
The Love Affair Begins
Although many Thais discovered this trendy studio only this year, but Beyond The Vines has been around for nearly a decade!
‘Beyond The Vines’ was launched in 2015 by the power couple Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting. This Singaporean brand shot to fame with its minimalist, functional designs that appeal to the modern, urban crowd. Their mantra? ‘Design for everyone’, focusing on quality, accessibility, and sustainability.
Meanwhile, ‘Gentlewoman’ is a Thai brand that’s been rocking the scene since 2018 with Raya “Pang” Wannapinyo as the designer. Pang, who previously worked in accountancy, struggled to find suits and dresses that fit her petite frame. Frustrated with the lack of options, she decided to have her own dresses made and eventually launched her own store.
GENTLEWOMAN: The Hype Explained
Gentlewoman’s true intention is to be a fashion brand designed for working professionals. To reflect this, the brand needed a name that embodies empowerment, strength, and confidence in its own way. The brand sells clothing, dresses, and accessories; however, Gentlewoman’s signature handbags, GENTLEWOMAN Canvas Tote, went viral on social media, leading to immense popularity across Asia.
The brand gained fame by seizing market opportunities during the pandemic when many brands paused investments. While competitors hesitated, GENTLEWOMAN continued to build brand awareness by releasing practical items like the popular “GENTLEWOMAN Canvas Tote” with its distinctive logo. This strategy paid off as the bag became a trend on social media and attracted foreign buyers, including tourists from Singapore and China, who valued its affordability and modern design. Weekly new collections kept the brand fresh and appealing, especially among teenagers. The iconic logo made it a popular souvenir, cementing its status as a must-buy item in Thailand.
Beyond The Vines: Minimalist Magic
‘Beyond The Vines,’ founded by Rebecca Ting and Daniel Chew, nails the minimalist designs that scream sophistication without trying. The clean lines and neutral palettes are a breath of fresh air in the cluttered fashion world. Thai shoppers adore this simplicity that fits into both casual and formal wardrobes.
Starting as a womenswear label in 2015, and rebranding in 2020 to offer a wider range of products, including menswear, kidswear, home items, and accessories. They focus on intuitive design and consumer-centric products, making high-quality design accessible. Beyond The Vines is dedicated to supporting local designers while staying connected to its roots and gained popularity for elegant lines and easy-to-wear pastel colours. An environmentally-conscious production process, including the use of biodegradable packaging, clicks with Thailand’s growing base of eco-conscious shoppers.
One of the biggest draws for Thai fans is the versatility of ‘Beyond The Vines’. The brand’s pieces can be mixed and matched to create loads of outfits, perfect for the dynamic lifestyle of modern Thais. Whether it’s a chill day at the café or a sophisticated evening out, they have something for every occasion.
The Social Media Influence
Both ‘Beyond The Vines’ and ‘Gentlewoman’ are smashing it on Instagram and TikTok. Thai influencers and fashion bloggers are always showing off their ‘Beyond the Vines’ outfits, creating a buzz that drives more Thai shoppers to the brand. Similarly, Singaporean fashionistas love flaunting their ‘Gentlewoman’, inspiring their followers to explore Thai fashion.
Shopping Experience: Beyond the Vines in Thailand
Beyond The Vines Design House, opens in Thailand this August at 2nd floor of Central World shopping centre in Bangkok. The store in Thailand is designed to reflect the brand’s minimalist ethos.
The success of these two labels in foreign markets highlights a cool trend of cross-cultural fashion appreciation. It’s likely that we will see more such exchanges, with fashion brands from different countries finding fans far from home.
