A Stint in Bangkok

Me in Kenzo outfit by my drafting table. After completing the Zecha residence in Hong Kong, I was offered by the the Regent International Hotels to help them with the renovation of the then President Hotel which they were taking over to manage. I was assigned two rooms in the hotel, one as my workspace and the other my sleeping quarters. My year stay in Bangkok was a period of deep discovery and revelations.

A vignette of winter garments against matchsticks blinds. Duffle laundry bag in denim serves as back cushion to the bed cum sofa

Left: When I was starting my design career, I love to dress up to go to work. Kenzo, the rising star of Paris then was my fashion icon.


Fresh pampas leaves in a brown jar  cascade over the bed .

I can't stand the standard decor of the hotel so I made my own ambiance. It is all about improvisation. I took out the existing headboards and instead covered the wall with plain matchsticks blinds over which I accented with the dried nipa leaf. The all-white bed and pillows gives the room freshness contrasted with natural materials. Above right: The headboard changes according to my mood. Here, I hanged my winter clothings and accessories to create a surprising and playful visual statement in an ordinary hotel room.

East By SouthEast, Cascading Palm Leaves

East By SouthEast, Second Mood, Thailand Weekends in Bangkok finds me wandering in the markets and temples.

Left: I made an improvised ottoman out of the basket I bought in the Sunday market when it was still in Sanam Luang.

Right: The rattan tray is perfect to put over the bed like a small kang table. I bought a tall ficus that bends over the bed. It is nice to sleep under the leaves.

Table arrangement

Thai painting, fresh water lilies and bananas

Above left: A bunch of fresh purple water lilies balances the antique Thai painting in the wall. This painting started my Thai painting collection. I bought the whole bunch of bananas as decoration more than to eat. Above right: I always pickup things in the market. Here on a travertine top round table, I arranged a softstone cylindrical box, some Sukothai Period potteries and palm flowers in a cylindrical glass vase. I like to use and display incense sticks.


[Book Cover] | [Contents] | [Foreword] | [Introduction] | [Formative Years] | [Space to Start] | [Tools of Trade] [Concept Renderings] | [First Break] | [East by Southeast] | [Working Manner] | [Space Transitions] | [Seasons' Home] | [Sunsets' Place] | [Pied á Terre] | [Something Different] | [Restrained Elegance] | [Dream Zones] | [In Comfort] [Prestige Investments] | [Asian Gallery] | [Lighting] | [Objects] | [Flowers] | [Afterword] | [Professional Profile] [Personal Profile] | [Sign Guestbook] | [Guestbook]

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