Pipatchara: Knot Your Average Accessory

January 28, 2022

Pipatchara and Jittrinee Kaeojinda are two craft-savvy sisters hailing from Bangkok, Thailand. Their shared creative sparks drew them both into the bustling world of fashion design and production, where they both flourished and learned essential methods to take with them into their own endeavors.

Over a decade later, all roads pointed back to home as the two eventually returned to Thailand and began their new chapter: Pipatchara. Named after one of the girls, the two had aspirational goals for the brand in mind — they wanted to create something that truly honored their heritage and the local community. They wanted to create something with heart, something that would have a lasting impact — and they've gone above and beyond so far.

Interviews by Kayla Curtis-Evans
Photos Courtesy of Pipatchara

The talented duo decided that their crafting skill-sets wouldn’t be half as functional or fulfilling if not shared with others. They brought it back home by embarking on an educational journey across the rural regions of Thailand, touching each area with positivity and education about the craft that lives so near and dear to their hearts: macrame.

"We travel to Northern Thailand (we typically start near Maehongsorn) because there are many skilled artisans who need extra income in that area; we connect with them and teach them macramé and knotting with leather," they explain of the process, "we ship all knotting leathers and materials from Bangkok to the villagers directly; on average it takes around 2-3 days to complete a small batch order. When completed, the villagers send back the macramé orders and we check patterns at our factory before finalizing production."

office had the chance to delve into Pipatchara and Jittrinee’s creative process, as well as dive into the amazing work they’ve participated in with local Thai communities. Check out our exclusive interview below.

Macramé is such a historical craft, often passed down and taught for generations in families. How did you two learn the art of macramé?

We have always had an appreciation for arts and crafting and we knew that we wanted the brand to thoughtfully incorporate that aspect into the design. We learned macramé when traveling to Morocco together about four years ago on an inspiration trip and we immediately gravitated to the beauty and natural elements it symbolizes including delicateness and wisdom.

Why was creating a brand based upon community and sustainability important to you both when starting Pipatchara?

My sister said to me early on in this journey, 'If you want to do something big, do it for the communities or more people, not only just for yourself.' — and that really resonated and became our brand's ethos.

Why do you think it is important to place a spotlight on the work and dedication that goes into handmade products like your own?

We grew up with a strong appreciation for the arts and craftsmanship and knew that we wanted that aspect to be the center of whatever creative project we did together. We also wanted the items we made to be useful and serve a functional purpose. Ultimately handbags and footwear made sense as our focus. There is so much that goes into hand-making and creating each bag or show — so many people are involved and that sense of community and unity also makes it really beautiful.

What has been the most fulfilling part of being able to give back to your heritage?

Every time we visit with the villagers we are so happy to see all those proud faces that resemble ours. They are so proud to see their products around the world and it is incredibly empowering for them and us to be a part of it. That sense of fulfillment is such a special part of this brand.

You both believe that teaching crafting skills to others is a great way to assure prosperity in local Thai communities. With all that you have given to others, what is the best thing you each have gained from starting the brand?

A true sense of purpose and peace of mind knowing that we are contributing back to our society and communities in such a creative way. Sometimes it is difficult to take what you love and apply it to something that betters others, but with Pipatchara, we are fortunate to be able to combine both aspects.

Fashion

ECCO.kollektive collaborates with Louis-Gabriel Nouchi

November 21, 2024

ECCO.kollektive has teamed up with Paris-based designer Louis-Gabriel Nouchi for a bold and innovative Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Known for his thoughtful exploration of masculinity and storytelling in fashion, Nouchi brings his unique perspective to this collaboration, blending his modern aesthetic with ECCO’s skill in craftsmanship and material innovation.

The collection features a range of footwear, clothing, and accessories, each designed with attention to detail. The collection uses a mix of black, deep red, and pearl white. Sensual touches, like Nouchi’s signature slits, combine with structured tailoring and flowing shapes, showing how the designer blends bold and refined styles.

We spoke with Louis-Gabriel Nouchi about the collection and his inspiration. From the textures of the human body to his love for stretch leather, Nouchi shared how the collaboration allowed to experiment with new ideas.

By Enzo Holdt
Photography by courtesy of ECCO.kollektive x LGN

The collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week and draws inspiration from the textures of the human body. “The idea came from the textures of skin,” Nouchi explains. “I wanted to create something sensual and fluid, using leather in a way that felt both strong and soft. Leather has this amazing quality—it can feel like armor, but also like a second skin.”

Nouchi worked closely with ECCO to develop designs that showcase the versatility of their materials. High-shine biker nappa leather with a waxy finish appears in tailored separates like a single-breasted blazer, trousers, and long-line shorts. For a more experimental edge, he created a column dress and a pencil skirt using strips of leather embroidered onto stretchy tulle—a design he says was inspired by his younger self. “When I was young, I was obsessed with stretch leather because of designers like Jean-Claude Jitrois. It’s something I wanted to explore and bring into this collection, almost like fulfilling a dream for my past self.”

Footwear is another major highlight, featuring Derby shoes, Helsinki loafers, and the standout Truck Lace loafer with a bold platform. The shoe’s futuristic design draws from Nouchi’s fascination with brutalism and technology. “It might be a bit controversial,” he says, laughing, “but I really like the Tesla Cybertruck. The sharp, angular lines and futuristic look combined with that raw, brutalist vibe—it’s something that resonates with me. The platform on the Truck Lace loafer feels like a nod to that kind of design.”

Another unique detail is the inclusion of removable coins on some of the shoes, adding a playful yet personal touch. “You can take the coins off—it becomes almost like a lucky charm,” Nouchi says. “It’s one of those small details that make the pieces feel more connected to the wearer.”

Louis-Gabriel Nouchi’s signature slit motif, which adds subtle hints of reveal and concealment, runs throughout the collection. “The slit is about teasing the eye,” he explains. “It’s never about revealing too much—it’s about creating tension, a little mystery.” This motif appears on everything from loafers to hems, blending seamlessly with the collection's sensual yet structured aesthetic.

When asked about the versatility of his designs, Nouchi emphasizes their adaptability to different occasions. “You can wear these pieces in super casual situations on the street, looking super chic at night—super sexy,” he says. “From one garment, you can style it in so many ways during the day. For example, the tank top—you can wear it with pants, or without. It’s super hot, super cool, and it works for so many moments.”

For Nouchi, the collaboration with ECCO was as much about innovation as it was about creative freedom. “There are no limits with ECCO,” he says. “As a designer obsessed with materials, having the freedom to push development this far was an amazing opportunity. Fashion, for me, is like a laboratory. It’s about testing ideas and seeing how far we can take them.”

The ECCO.kollektive x Louis-Gabriel Nouchi collection is available now, combining high-quality craftsmanship with bold, modern design that showcases Nouchi’s vision and ECCO’s craftsmanship.

Fashion

A New Lee® and Alpha Industries Collaboration Takes Flight

Fashion

Escaping the Glass Cage

November 19, 2024

For years, she stood still, watching life rush past her, a quiet observer behind the glass. Now, the glass is broken, and she steps out into the unknown. She walks through the city, caught between two worlds—part of it, yet apart from it.

Her journey is quiet but bold, searching for something she’s never understood, something just out of reach. On church steps and under glowing city lights, she questions everything: the rules, the past, and where she truly belongs. Each step feels both freeing and uncertain.

A curious soul in a borrowed life, she keeps moving forward, leaving behind only whispers of her escape, like a fleeting shadow in the night.