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DIY Bangkok Fashion at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Animal face rings, Thai organic t-shirts.

Jatujak, jj market bangkok, thai lights

Great balls of lighting! My mind felt like it was exploding with color, when I went shopping in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market.

Seby and I spent a morning at the largest market in Thailand (also known as Jatujak, or J.J.). What type of designs are sold here? Did we buy anything cute? Let’s shop and see…

chatuchak weekend market shops

Take note that Chatuchak (Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road) is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. We were grateful to have Sylvie from Destination Asia as our guide, since there were over 15,000 stalls to explore, and the narrow walkways were packed with shoppers!

I’m wearing a cut-out black top by TwoPercent Hong Kong, and studded ankle boots by Yosuke from Shibuya 109. The round orange sunglasses are vintage Gucci.

bangkok markets, hip clothing stalls

The little shops sell everything from Buddhist items to home goods and food. We asked Sylvie to take us to the area featuring hip local fashion, and spent about an hour browsing. Fortunately we were there early, as the market can get very hot and packed around noon onward.

british queen's guard necklace

Some Asian markets, like “Women Street” in Hong Kong, sell poorly made goods. This is not the case at Chatuchak. Most of the boutiques sold lovingly crafted designs with a touch of cute. This Queen’s Guard necklace is a great example.

cat face rings, good after nine jewelry

I’m always on the lookout for Scottish Fold cat items. When I saw these rings by Good After Nine, I simply had to have one.

The store is run by two young Thai jewelers, who are passionate about making unconventional pieces. Basil Farrow says: the painted lines on the face, folded ears, and slightly angry expression are spot on!

fox cufflinks, animal jewelry bangkok

Like in Siam Discovery Mall, a lot of the young, Bangkok designs have a twee and vintage feel.

scottish fold cat shirt

Spotted another Scottish Fold item. I didn’t get this shirt, as the print is a bit much.

stormtroopers tshirt, thailand t-shirt

However, Seby and I went nuts at Le Petid Print shop. All their t-shirts are 100% cotton and chemical free, with soft screen prints. I got the Halloween bunny tee, and he got the Stormtroopers one, among others.

hipster bangkok, จตุจักร shops

Tip: if you buy more than one item, you get a discount — which ends up being about $2-4 US per shirt! Insane, considering the superb quality and prints that we found.

bangkok best biggest markets, shopping

Another tip: some stores sell the same or similar items, so it’s worth walking through the halls first to see what’s available. However, if you come across something remarkable — like the cat-face jewels — get it right away, as you may get lost on the way back.

kawaii scarves, cute scarf

Among my favorites were these sweet, character-print scarves and bags.

vintage fox dress

A smiling fox family. See what I mean about the natural, charming vibe of the stores?

hipster bird tshirt

Put a bird on it, as the hipsters in Portland do.

colorful ball lights

These glowing ball lights would be great for home decor, or a photoshoot.

flower crowns, bangkok thailand

Love the faux flower crowns and My Fair Lady hats.

studded leather bags, heavy metal clothes

On the darker side, you can find studded Goth-metal clothing. Many Bangkok designers start out at JJ Market, since it’s not too expensive to rent a space here. It’s a great way to present their works and gauge the reaction.

decorated shoulderpads

Many items are handmade one-offs, which lets the creator experiment and gives the consumer something special.

kawaii hair clips, cute pig pins

A final tip: stock up on souvenirs and small accessories here. Since prices are so low, you won’t regret spending baht and supporting these local businesses.

vintage print hipster iphone cases

Look for illustrated iPhone cases…

jack skellington top

Nightmare Before Xmas t-shirts, printed with Jack Skellington’s face…

cat dog mouse tshirt, funny shirts

And don’t you dare leave without a funny t-shirt or two… or eight. (I think that’s how many Seby and I got!)

rockabilly store asia

I leave you with a peek inside a rockabilly store. Skulls and subcultures are everywhere around the world now.

Isn’t Chatuchak Weekend Market inspiring? Did you know there was an indie design scene like this in Bangkok?

Coming up next: a video of my poppy Bangkok travels. For all my Thailand coverage, including temples and restaurants, check out the SE Asia category.

40 Comments

  1. Esther
    Posted February 5, 2014 at 8:21 pm | Permalink

    Oh man that looks like heaven!

  2. ThailandInsider
    Posted February 5, 2014 at 8:50 pm | Permalink

    thank you for sharing your experience

  3. Cece
    Posted February 5, 2014 at 8:50 pm | Permalink

    fabulous place
    xx

  4. Nasha
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 2:07 am | Permalink

    this is wonderful! I have to hit that place once in a while too.

  5. Grace
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 6:14 pm | Permalink

    Inspiring. Thailand is on the top of my travel bucket list. Where is next for you and him?

  6. Drea
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 6:14 pm | Permalink

    those RINGS!!!

  7. Kelly
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 6:17 pm | Permalink

    Oh my that’s a market to end all markets.

  8. Xena
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 6:40 pm | Permalink

    The dog-cat-mouse tee shirt!! <3 <3 <3

  9. Lewis
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 6:41 pm | Permalink

    tres jolie

  10. marie
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 6:59 pm | Permalink

    sweet
    – marie

  11. nate b
    Posted February 6, 2014 at 7:16 pm | Permalink

    the rockabilly store rocks hehe

  12. MelissaR
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 12:51 am | Permalink

    Love these tops! Makes me want to go shopping in Bangkok!

  13. Lara Lizard
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 10:28 am | Permalink

    Love all those quirky printed things! The Queen’s guard necklace is so cute! :)

  14. Reimagining
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 5:17 pm | Permalink

    You hair!

  15. Nancy
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 7:04 pm | Permalink

    awesome and team farrow wahoo!

  16. natalie
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 7:05 pm | Permalink

    greatttttttttttttt

  17. Anie Inspired
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 8:12 pm | Permalink

    :O :O This place looks amazing! Totally need to put this on my list of shopping spots to visit around the world!! Ps. You look great! ^_~

  18. An Dre
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 9:05 pm | Permalink

    What was your impression of Bangkok during the dangerous political situation at the moment? Is it safe for tourists?

    • lacarmina
      Posted February 7, 2014 at 9:06 pm | Permalink

      I’m sad to hear about it… Unfortunately, travel advisories caution against traveling to Bangkok right now. But other parts of Thailand are safe, and great to visit, like Chiang Mai. Hopefully all is back to peace soon!!

  19. MMA
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 9:05 pm | Permalink

    Yes it is! I miss shopping there.

  20. Secretos
    Posted February 7, 2014 at 9:06 pm | Permalink

    take the sky train… one BIG ASS mall….

  21. JESS
    Posted February 8, 2014 at 6:12 pm | Permalink

    YOU TWO ARE CUTE

  22. FashionholicGirl13
    Posted March 26, 2014 at 5:39 pm | Permalink
  23. chubie suzan
    Posted June 19, 2014 at 6:43 am | Permalink

    hi.. cant u tell me the store name selling funny t-shirt (dog-cat-mouse), fox family & the bird.. coz this w’end im going to bangkok.. TQ :)

  24. John
    Posted March 18, 2016 at 7:08 pm | Permalink

    Great article Thailand is full of great shopping opportunities.

    http://thailand-explored.com/pattaya-shopping-guide-where-to-shop/

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