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Today, protest power finally toppled Thailand’s square-faced leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Since February, the eyes of the world had been watching the peaceful protestors as they gathered in their hundreds of thousands. While their political aim is now complete, there is no hiding from the protestors’ other revolution.
Fashion Week came and went, but nobody noticed. Hell, we didn’t even cover it in BangkokRecorder. We all knew that far more exciting things were happening across town. Nobody knows how it started, but somehow the catwalks were eclipsed by a stage outside Government House and the colorful masses lining Ratchadamnern.
In three season’s time, we’re going to see Greenwich Village hipsters sporting Prada yellow-and-red headbands, and by Spring, even your geeky cousin is going to be rocking a neckerchief. And that’s when the look will all be officially over… But, that’s a whole year away. For now, let us welcome the advent of ‘Protest Chic’ with a commentary by peerless fashion critic, Brendan Jai. Yellow is the new black  “Yellow is a very powerful color, thus suiting any chic protest. I especially like the guy with the towel on top of his head. It provides an ‘Arab’ twist.” How to get the look: Accessorise with yellow socks from Paul Smith. The Brokeback  “It may have missed out on an Oscar, but the popular Brokeback Mountain look helped win the protest. Blend with a twist of Poncharello from ‘80s TV series, CHIPS, and, oh, just a touch of Soviet pride for good measure: lots of red!” How to get the look: Always walk in a pair. Must-have neckerchief  “I think we’ve got the ‘it’ accessory for the season: the proletarian version of le carre Hermes! I like the first one, very subtle white and blue –‘Vichy’ print.” How to get the look: Dress like you’re going to a chic picnic-protest. The Hippie  “Well, at least GreenPeace would be proud: these guys look like the crew of the Rainbow Warrior! Don’t they know this look has failed before? Somebody tell them that the hippie movement didn’t succeed in bringing us a more peaceful society, so stop being nostalgic and move on.” How to get the look: tie-dyed T-shirts, tight stonewash jeans. The Rasta  “A typical Kao Sarn look… I think he needs to put in more effort if he really wants to be noticed and listened to… I recommend he adds some blue, red and white beads in his hairs to symbolize the Thai flag. Not that he will be any classier, but at least he will stand out.” How to get the look: wife-beater, Oakleys and dreads. Floral tea party?  “How cute, she looks like Ms Samovar in Disney’s ‘The Beauty and the Beast’! The genius here is the striking contrast between the ‘High Tea’ outfit and the yellow bob which incorporates the protest message on the front.” How to get the look: Vicarage bring-and-buy sale. The Beatnik  “Ahh... He makes me think of the guys who distribute the free magazines at the entrance of the metro in Paris! The black hat is a nice touch, and if he was carrying a trumpet he could definitely be part of a jazz band!” How to get the look: A nonchalant attitude, simple clothing mixing white and denim. The man-purse  “Top marks. Yellow head band, tailored shirt, belt strategically tied to accentuate his figure… And, most importantly, a very useful turquoise purse to carry the essential foundation and moisturizing cream in case he needs to fix his make up.” How to get the look: Choose bright pastel shades. The B-Boy  “Someone should have told this boy that rolled-up jeans are long out of fashion. Besides, why replace the iconic yellow head band with a mauve one?” How to get the look: Retro knee length denim and trainers. Accessorise with children or dogs...  “Not sure a protest is the best place for children… they are always complaining, crying, and consequently cramming your style! Dogs are way more obedient, and cheaper to accessorize!” How to get the look: Yellow protest dog lead by Dolce & Gabbana The boys in brown  “Their uniforms are so tight! Sometimes it’s really sexy when they have the body that goes with it. Can’t really judge as the picture doesn’t show the whole thing. Tell the first guy that he needs to dry-clean his uniform if he doesn’t want the color to fade away!” How to get the look: Police academy XXV: Mahoney Saves Bangkok
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