Young Thai designers are increasingly coming into the spotlight, making their presence felt with designs that infuse tradition.
Bangkok-based Mooque is a based design studio founded by Sarunphon Boonto, a budding furniture and product designer who is passionate about storytelling and the psychology of shapes and colours, visual graphic, and colour elements.
Sarunphon’s decision to set up a design label is sparked by her interest in visual forms and her conviction that “colours and shapes can affect emotions, and storytelling can further interest”. After working for about three years in the design field upon graduating from Bangkok University, Sarunphon struck out on her own with Mooque. The brand explores materials, colours and forms to create invigorating designs that offer a fresh perspective. As Sarunphon describes, “Mooque’s products are unique, fresh in colours, with high techniques in both materials and storytelling”. |
Her latest collection, the MEL Collection 2022 is the development of new possibilities, spun off from its Bilid 2021 Collection. And like the previous collection, it is laced with tradition and Thai craftsmanship.
Instead of using locally sourced rattan, as with the 2021 collection, the new collection uses polypropylene rope, woven to form interesting designs.
Sharing more about the collection, Sarunphon notes that “MEL” combines “mellow” and “meld” – hence the convergence of relaxed and refreshing colours.
In several of her collections, designs trace back to Thai craftsmanship to create modern pieces with a traditional hint, This collection features a combination of relaxed and colourful sets of ropes skilfully woven together to create interesting patterns. Featuring the Mel Lounge Chair, the collection showcases pieces that use small ropes woven into aluminium frame with wave-like patterns, made outstanding with an orange gradient. Ideal for outdoor spaces, the designs have an uplifting effect on one.
The MEL Collection 2022 debuts for the first time outside of Thailand at Emerge @ FIND Showcase, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.