Exclusive interview with SORAPOL

Sorapol Interview by Cassie Laver. Photography by Lin Vitali.

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Exclusive interview with SORAPOL

Fashion doesn’t get fresher than Sorapol, and here at Retox we’re ashamed to say we’ve stepped over our own grannies to pin him down for a good old brainpick. This fiercely talented designer may be infuriatingly secretive about his upcoming collection, but here at Retox the year 2013 is already passé – read on to find out what we’ll be wearing next century! Best dust down your invisibility cloaks now...

Retox: What are you doing today?

SORAPOL: I’ve been walking around, went to some knockoff clothing markets and I was shocked at what is being copied. (Pieces like the new Louis Vuitton dresses and Mary Katrantzou rip-offs.)

Retox: What are you wearing right now? No lies, please!

SORAPOL: I’m wearing a pair of loafers with a see through polka dot t-shirt, Hermes belt, Versace shorts, Loubiton white spider shoes with grey sunglasses and a Mickey Mouse hat!

Retox: What makes you happy? What makes you angry?

SORAPOL: It makes me angry when I see large establishments and how they continue to expand without improving quality within the industry; it is my goal to elevate British fashion to a level where the industry isn’t run by bureaucrats who don’t have a creative bone in their body. It makes me happy when I see my clothing sparking a reaction out of the people who observe it and wear it.

Retox: Your AW12 collection, "Iron Grip", springs from the story of a young Russian orphan Vasilia in revolutionary Moscow - where did you first hear her story and how did she inspire you?

SORAPOL: The story of Vasilla is a story based on parts of my life that I created and translated through my work. Her struggle is a glimpse of my past as well as my journey through the last collection.

Sorapol's sensational AW12 collection 'Iron Grip'. See more images from SORAPOL's AW12 catwalk.

Retox: Can you describe the journey your designs take from being a thought in your head to a piece of clothing on a body? What’s your favourite material to work with?

SORAPOL: I like to think about the story or object I’m working with. The personality of the design forms in my head and I build it up piece by piece like a puzzle and put all the pieces together at the end to form something complete, there is always a sense when I know a piece is complete.

I love working with silk because I like the smoothness of the material, and how it feels great on the body. It also reminds me of where I’m from and keeps a personal sense of heritage in my clothing.

Retox: What is your favourite piece from your work so far? What do you dream of designing in the future?

SORAPOL: My favorite piece so far is the SORAPOL monochrome scarf; I want to continue creating pieces with a structural aspect without reusing the same motif.

Retox: What do you think it is about your designs that Azealia Banks loves? What do you love about her?

SORAPOL: Azealia is very open to new ideas and we have a mutual respect for each other’s creative process which has meshed together quite well!

Retox: What could Thai fashion learn from London fashion and what could London fashion learn from Thai fashion?

SORAPOL: Thailand needs to be more creative like London and let go of following just big designers. London can learn details and everything that is well crafted culturally with the heritage.

Retox: If Retox held a beautifully designed but nonetheless fully loaded gun to your head and demanded you give up three words to describe your next collection, what on earth would you say?

SORAPOL: That’s. A. Secret.

Retox: What will people be wearing in the year 3012?

SORAPOL: Completely new forms and shapes for the new human being. I’m going to be transparent. Completely invisible!

Retox: And finally, do you have any advice for aspiring Retox-reading designers?

SORAPOL: Don’t be scared of what you’re doing. Don’t listen to your teachers if you think you’re better than them - listen to yourself before you listen to someone else.