Sretsis’ Autumn-Winter 2008 Collection, “Parallel Universe”, recaptured that childlike sense of dreamy innocence for which we all long. The sartorial siblings invited us into a world of fantasy with whimsical prints and delicate design details. Instead of waxing nostalgic with a mid-century silhouette; the reference was more figurative than literal. The runway presentation personified an imagery of mythical creatures, defining a utopian menagerie where nature and animals peacefully coexist. Unveiling 30 looks, the Sretsis models made their way onto the catwalk through a cloud of fog that was reminiscent of a wild animal wandering through the dark misty woods in search of shelter or on the hunt for prey.

 
 
According to the show run, “ Parallel Universe” is where anything you want to happen does happen. Anything is possible in the enchanted, wild world of Sretsis— a world full of imagination and wonder. The Sretsis Fall 2008 “Parallel Universe” collection evokes a dreamlike landscape with wild animals, expansive skies, and mythical beings. Animals figure prominently into the prints textiles, and accessories of the collection. From custom lace embroidery to digital printings of Alaskan deer, owls, panthers, and unicorns on silk chiffon and satin, animals—real and imagined—romp through the collection. Keeping it all in the family, even the Matina Amanita accessories line designed by Sretsis’ little sister, Matina Sujhahuta, embodied the spirit of this collection where reindeer and swans intertwined with metal jewelry.

Sretsis Design Director Pimad Sujhahuta developed “Parallel Universe” as a series of interlocking and interrelated pieces; the separates are like a jigsaw puzzle that can be put together to reveal a hopeful, harmonious universe. Prints of surreal landscapes from the North Pole to Loch Ness to the Moon also grace dresses and tops, conveying a colorful sense of mysticism. Like past collections, “Parallel Universe” is full of sweet details like ruffles, tiers, peter pan collars, and capelets. Sretsis mixes and matches these feminine touches with surprising prints and textures like plaids and quilted fabrics. This season Sretsis collaborated with famed artist Teerawat Teankaprasit for this exclusively designed special print series. The alluring panoramic scenes are segmented and printed digitally onto carefully selected fabrics from silks to Iyocell. Combining the entire series together will reveal a harmonious view of Sretsis’ “Parallel Universe.”

Sretsis which is an anagram for sisters was founded in 2002 by Pimad Sujhahuta. The name symbolizes the bond the brand’s sisters ( Pimad, head designer; Kly, marketing/ public relations; and Matina (jewelry) share. The three sisters spent their childhood designing outfits for their dolls and playing stylists to each other’s make believe fashion shoots. This design trio doesn’t believe in locking up clothes for special occasions. They want girls to “experience the regular joy of dressing up!”

According to her bio, Pimad Sujhahuta started her career before she knew it; opening her first boutique while she was still a junior at Parsons School of Design. She quickly became noticed for her girlish, yet quirky designs using whimsical prints on delicate fabrics like silk chiffon and charmeuse. Ms. Sujhahuta graduated with a degree in Fashion Design in 2003, already with a store and two fashion shows in her hand. She now stands among the top designers in Thailand with stock lists in Bangkok, Hong Kong, New York, and Los Angeles.

Merging soft silhouettes with panoramic animal landscapes, my favorite looks from this “Parallel Universe” included: a white tiered cape with an owl print dress; the tiger print dress with lace shirt; a tiered lace shirt dress in baby blue; the white asymmetrical blouse and pink skirt; a shirred owl print bustier dress; the black dress with appliqué silver-lined clouds; a navy velvet minidress with center appliqué placket; and the long animal print dress with plunging neckline. The center parted wavy bed-head (like a lion’s wild mane), a smoky eye (like a panther at night), and nude mouth further underscored this imaginary world with laidback abandonment.

In the press packet, I discovered an animated panel of the designer’s completed vision— with twinkling stars, flapping wings, owls, swans, deer, wildcats, and unicorns—all seemingly inviting us into a world where the imaginary can be realized, the intangible and tactile blend into one, and the physical and metaphysical converge. The Sretsis sisters show us how with a little bit of imagination and ingenuity, even the ordinary can be extraordinary because in this “Parallel Universe”, themes of fantasy, wonder, and awe blanket our perceptions. Theirs is a world with no boundaries, a place where we can escape from life’s daily stresses and pressures into a world of fairy tale optimism!

For additional information, please visit http://www.sretsis.com/v3/