Back to black
Black clothes are the story of the week โ€“ the colour is now an essential. A Life section survey finds some shops are struggling to meet the demand.
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Back to black
MELALIN MAHAVONGTRAKUL
KANOKPORN CHANASONGKRAM
Clothes in the colour of mourning are flying off the racks – with shops at times struggling to meet demand
Black clothes are the story of the week – the colour is now an essential. Demand has shot up, sometimes along with prices, while the frustration and debate over wearing a black or non-black wardrobe continues.
We have surveyed the main markets and malls in Bangkok, namely Platinum in Pratunam, Siam Square and Soi Lalai Sap on Silom. It seems that black will continue to dominate the racks for months to come, according to vendors, while the initial concern over price will soon give way to the creativity of style and fabric.
Black dresses and blouses are much sought after. MELALIN MAHAVONGTRAKUL
Supattra Kaewudom, a shopkeeper selling female fashion, said that Platinum Mall – an affordable shopping quarter in Pratunam – was quite empty the week before due to rain. But now in addition to foreigners on their shopping trips, the mall has seen a huge number of mourning locals. The place was packed even on Monday.
"Women now come looking for blouses, dresses, skirts and trousers in black. Make that total black. No stripes and patterns. No white, either. Many just want something very polite and appropriate during this period. But that's also up to the dress code of their workplace. Some aren't as strict," reported Supattra, 38, who sells each item in her shop for 200 baht.
Some shops have run out of black shirts due to strong demand. THITI WANNAMONTHA
Anything from T-shirts (with print or no print), long-sleeved tops, polo shirts, blouses to trousers and skirts are on display at all shops in Platinum. The more colourful items are shoved to the back for the time being.
Still, that doesn't mean colourful clothes aren't flying off their racks. The shopkeeper said she still sells garments in lighter colours to foreigners, and even a minority of Thai teens and office ladies.
A more unisex choice, black T-shirts are a popular casual item that suit children, men, women and the elderly. While some come plainly with no text or pictures, some are emblazoned with the Thai traditional number "9", or even phrases such as "I wish to be your servant in every lifetime" or "Seeing HM the King off to heaven" printed in white.
Many shirts have the Thai number 9 on them in memory of King Rama 9 (King Bhumibol Adulyadej ). MELALIN MAHAVONGTRAKUL
The price – depending on size, fabric and prints – can start from 100 baht in the Pratunam area and street markets in different provinces.
In more high-end areas like Siam Square, the price is comparatively higher. Similar styles of dresses could start from 200-300 baht, while the price of black shirts can cost 200 baht. Random shops near the Grand Palace and surrounding areas offer black T-shirts from 100-180 baht.
You can read the full, much longer, story here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/1115661/back-to-black
สามารถฝึกอ่านออกเสียงและดูคำแปลได้ที่ : http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/1115848/back-to-black