From The Straits Times    |

Thakoon Panichgul proud of politics linkThakoon Panichgul likes being associated with politics as it helps him be taken more seriously.

The designer has become synonymous with American politics after US First Lady Michelle Obama chose to wear several of his pieces. He can’t speak highly enough of the honour, explaining it’s something which means a lot to him because of his own beliefs.

“We do,” he told British magazine InStyle, when asked if the company quickly feels the effect of Michelle dressing in its pieces. “And it’s a different thing altogether – she reaches such a different audience. It’s brilliant to have a dialogue with women who are in politics. I think that’s where there could be more change – you can have a voice and be taken seriously and still be fashionable.”

The designer trained in business initially, before completing a stint as a journalist and then eventually indulging his interest in fashion. It was something he’d always been keen on pursuing, recalling how much he loved clothes even when he was young.

“Even when I was seven or eight, I remember looking at people and being interested in how they dressed,” he explained. “My mother was very stylish and she always wore Chanel No. 5 scent. When we made the move to the US, I really got into fashion magazines and was totally fascinated by that world. I was very artistic – I loved photographers like Richard Avedon and Bruce Weber.”

It was working in magazines that made Thakoon realise where his true passion lies. Eventually, he couldn’t imagine continuing on that path as he wanted to unleash his creative side.

“I’d taken journalism as far as I could. When I spoke to designers, I knew I wanted to be on their side. It was super-scary but I’d tested the water by talking to people I knew in the industry, who encouraged me to do it,” he said. “I just focus on the path directly in front of me.”