Vatanika Resort 2016 – Bangkok International Fashion Week

There are a few unwritten rules that women follow when trying to figure out what to wear:

1) Avoid the color maroon (or any reddish or burgundy shade remotely resembling it);
2) Horizontal stripes add the illusion of extra weight (whereas vertical stripes slim down);
3) If choosing an outfit with predominately sheer fabric, make sure one has a derriere extraordinaire.

Admittedly, that last rule isn’t necessarily a universal one, but it might as well be added considering the aesthetic of the latest Vatanika womenswear collection. While designer Vatanika Patamasingh certainly tried her best to incorporate these elements – and perhaps should even be applauded for the attempt – the execution had to be near-perfect for it to work. Unfortunately, a repeated violation of all three of these principles sunk the majority of her Resort 2016 collection, despite recent endorsements from celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Mena Suvari and Sarah Hyland. Several unflattering jumpsuits with criss-cross halter tops did little to celebrate the female figure. One of these, in addition to a floor-length spaghetti strap dress, combined the sheer and the maroon-red with silk and sequins, a nearly impossible combination for most women.

The few pieces that worked were actually those that didn’t abuse one or more of the three rules. The strategic use of stripes for the bodice, waistline and straps stopped a structured floral black Guipere lace mini dress from becoming too twee, whereas an asymmetric dress and corset each featured elegantly folded swaths of fabric.

Ostrich feathers were used in the Vatanika Resort 2016 collection. (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Photos: Vatanika Resort 2016 – Bangkok International Fashion Week
all photos by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine

Video: Vatanika Resort 2016 – Bangkok International Fashion Week
video by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine