You just have to dare. Empty your bank account and dive into the deep end of a craft for which you were not even trained. Suphakanya Tripwatana (31) did and passed.
“I hadn't even made a backup plan. I just thought, if I don't do it now, when will I have something of my own? I knew I had to do it. I told myself: if it doesn't work, then it won't work and I'll have to start building up my savings again.'
But it worked, because the shoes – that's what we're talking about – that Suphakanya designs are for sale under the brand name Croon at Brown (London), Little Black Dress (Hong Kong) and Modern Naked (Spain). For now three models in Oxford and flat style, made of a good quality leather with glitter, impeccably designed and produced.
Why shoes, when she studied graphic design at Silpakorn University and has been working as a designer for the ultra-feminine fashion brand Kloset (recently shown at Elle Fashion Week) for eight years?
Suphakanya: 'I love shoes and I never managed to find something that fit me well. Sometimes shoes that look nice are too dressy and not comfortable. I wanted something that I could wear on a lot of different occasions, but still fancy enough without having to wear high heels all the time.'
"If a shoe isn't good enough, I won't sell it"
Suphakanya, who only started last year, was lucky that her shoes were appreciated social influencers en trendsetters. Croon announced this via social media, which gave the fledgling brand the exposure got who needed it.
'I have nothing against support from celebrities. That's just another way to market your product. But of course you have to ensure that your products are of high quality. You have to be sure that you can sell them because of the quality and design and not because some celebrity wears them and everyone wants them. You have to find a balance in that.'
For Suphakanya and her friend who is also a business partner, quality comes first. “I personally check every pair. If something isn't good enough, I don't sell it. My boyfriend and I do everything ourselves. It's a lot of work because we want our shoes to meet the needs of real people girls. Because they want something they can wear on any occasion without having to worry about it breaking.'
(Source: Muse, Bangkok Post, March 16, 2013)
The only thing I still have some knowledge of are men's shoes from the time I still lived in the Netherlands. The top brands were van Bommel and van Lier.
To answer Dick, those were Oxford style shoes. Classic style shoes that the higher income guys could afford. The van Bommels were the most expensive (talk about 10 years ago), around 350 Euro. The van Lier ( in quality
same) around 250 Euro. For ladies (I will never forget that) Prada was the real top.
One of the reasons my marriage broke up. My ex thought she was married to a top soccer player. What I brought in with a wheelbarrow went out with a truck. Nothing to do with the shoes, of course. I put it in as a joke. A top quality shoe in Thailand is Findig. Also make shoes
in Oxford style. Bought it a pair over 6 years ago. Still look like new. In Thailand you walk in flip flops all day long. I only wear them at weddings and parties and during cremations. Always mess with those things because you often have to stretch your shoes during such a ceremony.
J. Jordan.
Oxford shoes, ... better known in the Netherlands as Brogues, low conventional shoes with laces, she liked in suede herself, they are still available at Floris van Bommel.
The most expensive shoes, moccasins and brogues, in the Netherlands were and probably still are, Greve Waalwijk, but they are now made in Romania.
If Suphakanya Tripwatana also wants to manufacture men's shoes in Oxford style in the future that can measure up to Van Bommel and Van Lier in quality, I will definitely pay her a visit, I think a good pair of shoes is important for your feet..
Both Dutch brands are pricey, but then you also have something and last 3 lives and when it is finally time to resole and chop them, have it done in Thailand somewhere on the street, much cheaper and no less good than at a shoemaker or heel bar in the Netherlands.
Never walk on slippers yourself, not even in warm Thailand, but always wear closed shoes there, it really is pleasant to walk and a major misconception is that it causes an annoying perspiration smell, in other words: sweaty feet.
Provided not only on the outside of leather, but also on the inside and not unimportantly no socks made of polyester or other plastics, but cotton or wool or a mix of both.
Incidentally - it sounds like an advertising message - both quality brands also have sneakers that combine better with wearing shorts, whether or not with a sleeveless shirt.
Something different on TB. Shoes. And J.Jordaan already said it, when you don't work as a man in Thailand you don't really need shoes, except at weddings and cremations and even there you still see sandals. Unfortunately I have to wear shoes at work and therefore wear the so-called 'brothel sneaker', loafers. Lace-up shoes drive you crazy because you have to take your shoes off all the time.
Dick, I still have Van Bommels in the closet. Brown and black. I'm careful with that, she can't afford it anymore. If you also have size 91/2 you can borrow them. Runs different from those Jesus Nikes that are in fashion here. What do I think of Trip's shoes? The color doesn't suit me. Maybe more something for Cor.
Jacques, I think that's a gross insult and I'm amazed that the moderator let this allegation slip through. Things go from bad to worse, and I'll be accused of wearing bright pink La Coste polo shirts on Tuesdays. No, Jacques, the last word has not yet been said on this.
My brothel sneaks are always sober black, handy when suddenly an unexpected invitation for a cremation falls in the mailbox. And I swear by Bata. Never played a lure there 😉
Sorry Cor, it was meant so well. I think it's cool colors. So I thought it would suit an unconventional person like Cor. They would indeed look good with a pink Lacoste shirt. Better than black brothel prowlers. Too bad it's school holidays now. You would be the talk of the day among your students in such a hip outfit. I am convinced.