Toby Worthington passed on a message from The Devoted Classicist that the latter's former colleague at Parish-Hadley, Bunny Williams was opening a showroom in Bangkok. I am indebted to Toby for the witty title for my post, and to John Tackett, (aka The Devoted Classicist) for the heads up.
I contacted the marketing office in New York suggested by The Devoted Classicist and discovered the details about the showroom location here in Bangkok. The co-ordinator in Bangkok turns out to be someone I knew well from another upmarket brand store here, and with whom I worked briefly a few years ago.
The timing of the news was very adjacent to the opening, and I received an invitation to both the official event and a masterclass to be given by both Bunny Williams and Kathryn Ireland, who was also opening within the same showroom.
Sadly and much to my regret, these events took place on Monday, when I was otherwise engaged with recovery from a tiresome bout of sickness, which left my charm-ometer rather depleted. I did however manage to get over to the showroom yesterday, and devoid of people, it was a much better chance to see the lines up close and personal. The shop assistant very kindly took these pictures for me on his iPhone and subsequently emailed them to me. Thank you Khun Noom, of DM Home, (which also showcases inter alia Ralph Lauren Home, Armani Casa and Kindel).
Of the pieces I saw, I was much taken with the Star Chair:
details of which are available on the Bunny Williams Home site. It's not that I feel the need for a mini throne fit for a queen bee, but rather that I admire its reference to the Regency style.
21 comments:
Hope you feel better! I was very interested by this post.I may even contact the showroom...being a lover of Bangkok...I would be thrilled to have some of my collection pieces represented in my favorite city!
Yes, I'm back to normal, thanks. Let me pass on your details to my contact, and he can get in touch with you directly if he has interest.
I'm sure that this store will be a welcome addition. So many expensive furniture stores here either sell expensive schlock, or a kind of Japanese-minimalism, which is attractive, although I wouldn't want that to be my only choice.
I especially like that vitrine against the back wall. Things in Taipei get dirty very quickly, so protection under glass would be the only way to display many objects.
--Road to Parnassus
Yes, we are spoilt for choice, although Bangkok seems to serve the region for some of the top brands, (which sounds quite surprising), but I suppose clients both personal and professional, quite enjoy coming here. Some of the prices are eye-watering. I had a quick look around Armani Casa, and a small very simple lacquered stool was USD1000; brand labels are obviously attractive to the market, (assuming it sells)!
The showroom is quite impressive, but I am sorry that you missed meeting Bunny. Availability, not only for information but also for actual goods, is remarkable, isn't it? Best wishes. __ John
And here I thought you would speak of eary Easter in Thailand! This does look like a wonderful showroom.
DC - indeed, I too regret my not being able to meet Bunny, but perhaps another time, if I'm lucky enough.
gesbi - clever you, but despite celebrating everything here, including a gecko walking up a wall more quickly than another, Easter seems to have eluded those who control the celebratory calendar. So far. But you've probably given them ideas!
The great Bunny Williams drags herself all the way to Bangkok and you never got to meet her?? I call that
deeply tragic, Columnist.
The furniture line is so smart, timeless and lacking
in pretention. Style lives on, despite our concerns. Love the Star chair--it's extremely chic.
Yes, I know dear boy. It was unfortunate that fate in all her lack of wisdom chose to inflict thus. But in my state, Bunny was spared.
I hope you are feeling better.
I can only dream of showrooms like this. I am typing with club fingers having spent the day working on artisan furniture.
Interesting to note that you too wager on the speediest gecko. Sadly, we here have nothing to compare with the Macao Jockey club, a damn sight closer to you than it is to me. I have even been known to bet on rain drops running down window panes.
Hippo - I am not a gambler, although I have been to the (formerly Royal) Hong Kong Jockey Club many times when we lived there. But I never got too excited about the horses, but was more interested in the social event - drinks and lunch, always in a private box. (Is there any other way to go racing?) I shall be up in Hong Kong again in a few weeks, but racing is not on the programme. I've never been to Macau's jockey club, (which is relatively new - 1980 - and began with trotting rather than horses and jockeys). The joys of the casinos there completely elude me, but since my time have burgeoned into the largest (in terms of revenue) in the world, ahead of Las Vegas.
The items in this showroom are very much to my taste. (I like the tailored look and I have friends who point out that everything in my decor is at straight angles!) The Regency chair would be a nice fit, and I especially like the star detail.
Now that is what I call globalization...BW in Bangkok! I also love that chair. That blue greyish color on the armchairs has always been a favorite and luckily seems to be the color of the day.
Mark - if by straight angles you mean symmetrical, then I'm all for it!
Lindaraxa - yes Bangkok does have a surprising array of international furniture brands, but as I noted, it probably serves the region, rather than the local market alone, which although extremely wealthy, is only so in a very small percentage. A drinks cabinet by Armani Casa was about USD25k, which has a rather limited market, as you can imagine.
I was wondering if I could find this kind of pieces when I will be furnishing my flat in Bangkok , thiS fall. I'm happy it seems it will be easy . And I'm sure your posts will help
Yes, plenty of choice in imported and locally made furniture. As an interior designer you may prefer to have your own pieces made.
I'm not sure about that . I will need to feel home quickly and I think I will not have time the 1st months. I may ask you some tips
Adore the klismos chair
VisitingH&G - yes, it's a rather delightful update on a classic.
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