Asst.Prof.Dr. Thanotai Mongkolsin
Abstract :
“Chua Dee Yu Nai Ka Lhok – Good and bad are in the skull” draws its inspiration from Thai Cultural DNA, specifically the concept of “Fun,” which encompasses joy, festivals, and the nightlife ambiance. Infused with a verse from the song “Luang Pho Khun” by the Carabao band, this verse illustrates the actions of a person and the decision-making process regarding moral choices, all influenced by one’s inner thoughts and conscience. The verse was selected to be incorporated into the engraved design on two acrylic sheets of the bag. The sheets underwent cutting, piercing, and engraving by laser technology, along with the addition of crocheted holy thread symbolizing Buddhism. These threads were intricately woven to join the two acrylic sheets with the crocheted strips, creating both sides and the bag base. The methodology involved data collection from diverse sources of inspiration. Next, literature review included the exploration of Thai Cultural DNA from the Thailand 4.0 policy by Dr. Suwit Maesincee, encapsulating the 5Fs reflecting Thai cultural identity. Subsequently, an in-depth analysis of research data informed the design concept development, with insights drawn from the scholarly work of Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanotai Mongkolsin, summarizing each word of Thai Cultural DNA into discernible fashion styles and design elements. From the synthesized data, the “Fun” aspect of Thai Cultural DNA resonated with the Rave style in fashion design, characterized by vibrant colors and lively prints. Silhouette choices embraced contrasted outlines, 90s street-style, while material selections favored a variety of alternative materials. In terms of detail and technique, there was an emphasis on contrasted textures and playful patterns. The design process included sketching and embellishing the bag’s sketch with a rectangular with rounded corners pattern, followed by laser cutting, piercing, and engraving on acrylic sheets, and then crocheting holy thread into strips for lateral sides and base. Integrating crocheted strips with acrylic sheets and shaping the bag’s form resulted in a contemporary handbag measuring 24 x 10 x 29 cm.
Objectives :
– Creating a contemporary handbag, inspired by Thai Cultural DNA and Buddhism consciousness concept for Generation Y.
– Transferring knowledge about “Fun”, one of Thai Cultural DNA related to rave fashion style and Buddhism consciousness concept through fashion design elements.
Conceptual Framework :
“Chua Dee Yu Nai Ka Lhok – Good and bad are in the skull” draws inspiration from Thai Cultural DNA, particularly the concept of “Fun,” which encompasses enjoyment, social gatherings, various Thai festivals, and the twilight ambiance. Combined with a phrase derived from a verse of the song “Luang Pho Khun” by the Carabao band, the lyrics of this verse reflect an individual’s behavior and the choice between good and evil, with everything lying within one’s own heart and consciousness guiding the decision-making process. Hence, this verse was chosen to be a part of the engraved pattern on two acrylic sheets of the bag, which were cut, pierced, and engraved using laser cutting technology, combined with crocheted holy thread representing Buddhism. These threads were woven to connect two acrylic sheets with the crocheted strip, forming both sides and the bag base. All of these elements culminate in the creation of a contemporary handbag.
Process / Methodology :
Methodology
- Gathering data related to sources of inspiration.
- Studying literature relevant to the research, such as Thai Cultural DNA from the Thailand 4.0 policy by Dr. Suwit Maesincee. The concept of Thai Cultural DNA consists of 5 words or 5Fs reflecting the Thai cultural identity, including: 1) Fun: enjoyment, festivals 2) Flexible: adaptability, versatility 3) Friendly: friendliness, Thai hospitality 4) Flavouring: diverse flavors, completeness and 5) Fulfilling: work hard, play hard
- Analyzing data related to the research to further develop design works. Based on the research work of Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanotai Mongkolsin, each word of Thai Cultural DNA was summarized into fashion styles and fashion design elements, including: 1) Silhouette 2) Colour 3) Material and 4) Detail & Technique
Information from analyzing Thai Cultural DNA into fashion styles and fashion design elements was presented in the following table.
Table >>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1igbQITkDh73B9KmeEWeCSasBAHrbl5Ua/view?usp=sharing
From the data in the table, the “Fun” aspect of Thai Cultural DNA correlates with the Rave style in fashion design. Regarding colour, it includes bright colours and reflective colours. For silhouette, it includes silhouettes with contrast or 90s street-style silhouettes. Then regarding materials, it includes various materials. Finally, regarding detail & technique, it includes contrasted textures, lively prints, playful and colourful patterns.
- Designing a work-piece based on the analyzed research data.
- Experimenting with usage.
- Evaluating the results from the usage by the target group.
Techniques and Materials :
Techniques
- Following the conclusion of the research, the process began by sketching a rectangular bag with dimensions of 24 x 29 cm, utilizing two acrylic sheets. Artwork was then applied, following technical drawings, which incorporated circular patterns with a diameter of 1 cm. These patterns were positioned along the perimeter of all three sides at 1 cm intervals.
- Cutting, piercing, and engraving were carried out using laser cutting according to the sketched design.
- Crocheting the cord for two strips, each measuring 10 x 21 cm, was done for the lateral sides of the bag, along with one strip measuring 10 x 29 cm for the base of the bag.
- Assembling involved integrating each crocheted strip with the acrylic sheets. The bottom piece was assembled first, followed by the left and right pieces. The cord was passed through pre-pierced holes and interwoven with each side of the crocheted strips using a crochet needle.
- The bag’s form was shaped according to the design.
Materials
Holy thread crocheting, laser cutting and engraving on acrylic sheets
Result / Conclusion :
From the research data, the designer uses this information to transfer the research knowledge through designing this handbag, utilizing a variety of colours from two marbled pattern acrylic sheets and the holy thread. For the silhouette, a rectangular shape with rounded corners is used. Various materials are utilized, including black marble-patterned acrylic sheets and holy thread. For detail & technique, crochet technique with holy thread is used to connect acrylics sheets to be the body of the bag and laser cutting technique is used to engrave patterns on acrylic sheets. The research result is a contemporary handbag with the size of 24 x 10 x 29 cm, as shown in the picture below.
References :
Maesincee, S. (2016). Thailand DNA to Thailand Creative Champions. Retrieved October 26, 2017, from https://www.facebook.com/drsuvitpage/posts /14139750855 75884
Maesincee, S. (2016). Culture 4.0 Spectrum of Thai Identity. Retrieved September 30, 2017, from https://www.facebook.com/drsuvitpage/posts/1407000276273 365
McKelvey, K. & Munslow, J., (2012). Fashion Design: Process Innovation and Practice Second Edition. UK: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Mongkolsin, T. (2018). A creation of fashion lifestyle multi-brand through Thai cultural DNA for Generation M. (Doctor of Fine and Applied Arts thesis, Chulalongkorn University).
Seivewright, S. (2012). Basics Fashion Design 01: Research and Design. Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA.
