English translation [Vogue Thailand Article on VT Thai]
In the past half decade, we often heard that the coming of the digital age will make traditional items becomes obsolete. However, this is proving to be untrue for Thai traditional handicraft. Although, unpopular among Thai people, these wickerwork charms the rest of the world with its local beauty. Recently vtthai.com – an online marketplace dedicated to Thai handicraft work just officially launched its website and ready to take Thai local crafts to the international market.
The Origin of VT Thai VT Thai (วิถีไทย) was founded by Jirarot Pojanavaraphan (Wat), a young-blood businessman who sees the potential in Thai handmade product in the world market. Wat recognizes many factors that prevent Thai handicraft to get global recognition ranging from outdated design, language barrier, as well as the lack of knowledge on technology and digital marketing. This is where VT comes in to fulfill the missing gaps.
How Does VT Thai Helps the Community?
VT Thai has collaborated with young designers and design students across the country to improve on the design of Thai handicraft. The design plan was given to the local community responsible for the production before the finished item gets listed on the website. VT Thai helps to market the product by taking product pictures and write a story on how each item was made, which also get translated in to three different languages – English, Japanese, and Chinese. The community will get direct benefit from selling on the website without paying any consignment fee.
Items that Vogue Loves!
After a visit to the website, we found many charming and interesting pieces worth mentioning. One that stands out is a rattan handbag with an Italian leather flap that looks timeless and classic. Followed by a colorful bag pack made from weaved bamboo, a perfect item for a vacation or beach holiday. For traveling tourists, VT Thai also has a camera bag with soft fabric lining as well as a bag made from natural vine, which looks unbelievably modern.