Page 49 - MASALA VOL 8 ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2016 – JANUARY 2017

A Love Affair with

Local

Labels

While our near-obsessive infatuation with international
fashion labels will be eternal, some of us also have a

sizeable place in our hearts for home-grown talents
— as does makeup artist Marisa Sethi Khanijaon who
aunts some of her favourite Thai designers.
By Gurleen Khanijoun Chawla

29 year-old Marisa Sethi Khanijaon may be more known as a talented
makeup artist under her own brand, Drama Queen Makeup by Marisa, but her 1 2
sophisticated style and eff ervescent personality defi nitely command attention.
For her, beauty and fashion go hand in hand. “I live and breathe makeup,”
she says with a smile. “It infl uences all my looks. I love wearing nude shades
for everyday wear. It is my Holy Grail. However, when I apply bold makeup, I
favour simple outfi ts.” Her style statement is rather simple — she wears what
complements her petite body frame and charming persona.

While Marisa keeps up to date with popular trends, she isn’t one to follow the
herd, adding an inimitable touch to everything she wears. “A few years back
before I started my own makeup line, I found myself growing bored of Zara and
H&M,” she recalls. “Everyone wears those designer labels, and I didn’t feel like Marisa’s
myself anymore when I wore them. Instead, I was blending in when I actually Wardrobe Essentials
like to standout.” Her confi dence was instilled upon her during her boarding
school days where she was never one to follow the rules. “I broke all of them,”
she laughs. “We were never allowed to dye our hair, wear torn jeans or coloured 3
contacts, but I did it all.”
In a pursuit for distinctive and tasteful sartorial choices, Marisa stumbled
upon a pop-up shop in Siam Paragon that introduced her to Thai labels, namely
Janesuda. “I immediately fell in love with the clothes,” she explains. “I was
shocked at how many aspiring Thai designers there are.” Janesuda opened the
door for other designers, including Vatanika and Pitchana — the former being an 4 5
ultimate fashion icon for our ‘It Girl’.
Although designer totes are her go-to accessories, Marisa also enjoys wearing
precious stones and doing so goes far beyond the sparkle. “I am a big believer in
gemstone meanings and healing properties,” she says. “Diamond is my birthstone.
I wear a piece of it everywhere I go, as it helps me remain positive and energetic.
I also love rubies, as it is a symbol of good fortune, pure love and loyalty.” Marisa
has a knack for putting together Thai labels with exquisite jewellery and fl awless
makeup. But it is her confi dence that elevates her overall look. “Confi dence is key
to looking good,” she says. “You will always be in fashion and feel self-assured if 1. Louis Vuitton Shades 2. Ruby Ring 3. Burberry
you are true to yourself. I believe that you are your own brand.” Lipstick 4. Django 5. Dior Sling Bag

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