Cover Photo: Instagram / @faabhonbhisa

The founder of Thai leather accessories brand Maison SVM lets us in on her last fashion purchase, her style inspirations and what's always in her bag

Bhonbhisa Pavarodom understands the appeal of discreet luxury. The young Thai entrepreneur demonstrates it through her day-to-day ensembles, often comprising classy blazers and well-cut trousers. It’s also with an eye for elegance that she helms Maison SVM, which offers bags, wallets, phone cases and other accessories made from the finest exotic leathers. You won’t find any logos on these pieces, but their preciousness shines through their exquisite craftsmanship.

That’s because Pavarodom, who goes by the nickname Faa, hails from a family with an expertise in exotic skins. Her family business, which has supplied its leathers to high-end fashion brands in Europe, shaped her discerning perspective on style. The designer believes in injecting luxury into the everyday, a philosophy that she brings to Maison SVM as well as S’uvimol, an accessory label that she runs with her sisters.

Below, she shares with us her style inspirations, the most prized possession in her closet, and how she’s building a wardrobe that lasts.

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Please introduce yourself.

Hi! My name is Bhonbhisa Pavarodom. I am the founder and designer of Maison SVM.

What is the story behind Maison SVM? Is there a special meaning to the name?

Maison SVM is S’uvimol’s sister brand, and the word SVM came from S’uvimol, which is my grandmother’s name. The meaning of S’uvimol is beauty.

I founded Maison SVM a few years after joining S’uvimol because I felt that I want to turn exotic leather goods into everyday essentials for modern people. So I started with things that are part of everyone’s lives, such as phone cases and wallets. I added a personalisation service later on because I believe people today like to express their uniqueness. Our personalisation service includes hand-painted alphabets, which gives the perfect finishing touch to your favourite exotic leather pieces.

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Why does Maison SVM focus on exotic leather? Which is your favourite type of exotic leather?

Maison SVM focuses on exotic leather because my family has expertise in this area. My grandfather was a pioneer in the crocodile breeding business in South East Asia. With extensive knowledge on crocodiles, my mother and her sibling started another breeding farm in order to export the leathers to many high-end fashion houses in Europe. Therefore, exotic leather has always been a part in my life. My favourite exotic leather would be lizard leather since its pattern is very neat and uniform.

What are some important lessons that you have learned from your mum, Patcharapimol Youngprapakorn?

I learned that anything is possible. There is nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it. Even though our expertise was only in leather from the beginning, we never stop learning and developing our craftsmanship. We believe that one day our Thai craftsmen can become as good as European craftsmen. 

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How would you describe your personal style with three hashtags?

#timelesswithatwist #mixandmatch #classicchic

Who are your style icons?

I would say my mum even though we don’t share a closet. I like how she loves to try new things and express herself through fashion. She's never afraid to be herself. She wears everything from Off-White to Alexander McQueen. We like to go shopping together since we both value clothes with high quality.

What is your go-to look for a night out?

If there’s no dress code, I like to dress in smart casual look, like a blazer with jeans or just a matching set. In Thailand, the buildings are very cold from the air-conditioning, so a blazer is always a good idea for me.

What is your preferred footwear?

I like boots a lot even though I rarely wear them in Thailand. Since the pandemic, I have started to prefer sneakers. Sneakers are the perfect footwear to match with my outfits during the pandemic since I tend to choose comfortable clothes.

What is your best recent discovery? 

I recently discovered a Japanese silk marbling technique through an Hermes video that I watched. The process is very interesting and very delicate. It is a tradition that is passed down through a single family, so I wish to visit this place in Japan.

What is your style pet peeve?

Making your boyfriend carry your purse. Purses are supposed to make you look better and confident, so keep it to yourself!

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What is the last purchase you made?

My last purchase is a ball pendant from Tiffany & Co. I was looking for something I can wear often and so I chose one from the Tiffany HardWare collection.

What are you lusting after right now? 

I’m exploring a lot through activewear. I will be getting back into Pilates soon since there is no lockdown anymore, and I feel like activewear can become my all-day look.

What’s always in your bag?

My AirPods are always in my bag, and my phone with its personalised Maison SVM case is always in my hand!

What is one style quote that you live by?

“Less is more.”

What is something you would never wear?

I love to try things! I don’t wear whatever I don’t feel confident in.

How has your style changed through the years?

As I have grown older, I buy fast fashion pieces a lot less. I want to build a closet with only the pieces I can mix and match or wear often. I’m seeking for more high-quality clothes that can stay with me for a long time. I don’t believe in having tons of clothes but not being able to find anything to wear every morning.

What is your most prized possession in your closet?

An old Céline coat I got from Hong Kong. 

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