Pleated and Poised

In just a few short years, Karatphet Kem Issara – Kem – has cultivated a potent aura of design sophistication both in Thailand and internationally with intriguing collections that showcase classical pleats with everyday practicality.

Founded in 2012, the Kemissara label clearly articulates Kem’s passion for clothing that’s timelessly feminine, yet suitable for the modern woman - striking a fine balance between fun and serious.

A graduate of the London College of Fashion and the Chelsea College of Art & Design, Kem cut her fashion design teeth during a series of internships with the likes of Jasmine Di Milo, Chloé Paris, Roksanda and Diane von Furstenburg.

This heavyweight experience gave Kem the confidence to launch her own label and pursue her fervour for creating edgy, chic designs.

The acclaim and awards her work has achieved in such a short time is testament not just to the appeal of her creations, but also her savvy deployment of social media to promote the label; a case of classic style meets modern high-tech.

It’s her designs that do the talking, underpinned by a concept of women’s ready-to-wear that’s slightly fashion-forward, with a hint of vintage inspiration from the 1920s and 1960s. The cutting is relaxed and unfussy with weightless, buoyant fabrics, such as silk.

There is minimal and casual style, highlighted by fine details designed with loose-fit silhouettes. It’s the pairing of classic together with the basic which makes everything so alluring.

Kem explores new concepts by pushing creative boundaries in terms of both use of fabric and design methodology through her signature use of delicate pleats – for classical yet contemporary feminine sophistication is in this label's DNA.

This distinctive personality reflects modern multi-tasking young professionals; the contemporary women of today’s lifestyle, with stylish and practical clothing that be worn with confidence in a variety of settings from dusk till dawn.

Recently, Kem has been expanding the potential of this concept with a colourful new pleated dress concept that’s evolved into a new signature style, with unique use of colour schemes to meet the demands of her eager customers.

And those customers seeking true satisfaction can even visit Kem’s studio/ showroom in Bangkok to customise personal colour palettes for their pleated dresses.

For more please browse: kemissara.com

Photographer: Peduckk

Models: Nasuda Jirasakhiran (Honey); Issaree Kanokvongpisit (Fern)