'Nature' is by far the dominant trend in gifts, decorative accessories and home furnishings emanating from Thailand — a nation of abundant resources, talented designers and a workforce steeped in traditional craftsmanship. In the Thai case, Nature encompasses a wide range of elements, from the use of raw materials that are minimally processed to an earthy color palette highlighted by vivid tones of green and brown.

The shapes of nature — rounded, free-flowing, organic — are another feature of this trend, as are evocative, low-tech textures. Water hyacinth, mango wood, coconut shells, bamboo, cane, cotton, mulberry (saa in Thai) and pineapple papers are among the materials used extensively in gifts and decorative accessories.

While nature is the dominant trend in current Thai design, there are also broader themes in the market. At the BIG + BIH fair, four such themes were presented by Trimode Studio, a group of next-generation designers with an eye for modernism partnered with respect for the past.

• Richness/Glamour. Encompasses luxury with a multicultural style. Modern homes incorporate and display objects from the past, such as small collectibles, inherited objects and portraits of ancestors.
• Minimal Expression. Embodies the European influence on decor, modifying it with simple design and executing it with exquisite craftsmanship.
• Digitalism. Pays homage to the not-so-distant past by highlighting dated electrical and audio devices, treating them as sentimental and collectible items.
• Romantic Natural. What Americans might call “Country Chic,” this theme is inspired by the rural lifestyle, featuring handcrafted items made from natural materials.

Aromatherapy and spa products are another major segment of the Thai market, with the majority of exports going to Japan, Europe and the Middle East. As expected, nature dominates the trends in lotions, cleansers, moisturizers, conditioners and massage oils, with Thai producers proclaiming the values of Eastern herbs, essential oils and floral scents, as well as the healing powers of crushed roots used by the people of Southeast Asia for millennia. Star fruit, green tea, tamarind, guava leaf and licorice extracts are among the natural ingredients used.

The current emphasis on nature by Thai designers and manufacturers is most likely more than just a trend. In this age of global warming and population expansion, respect for the planet and sustainable use of natural resources is becoming mandatory for all humanity. It's a background against which the Thais are already creating sophisticated, modern products with worldwide appeal. n