Bandid Lasavong’s Rebel Spirit Soars Through Fashion
Merging ancestral Laotian textile traditions with punk rock rebellion, Bandid creates a bold fashion statement that challenges cultural norms while honoring heritage craftsmanship
Traditional foundations
Bandid Lasavong incorporates traditional Laotian textiles, known for their hand-woven patterns and rich symbolic meanings, into contemporary silhouettes that challenge conventional fashion boundaries.
Oversized coats serve as canvases for elaborate traditional motifs, where ancient patterns found in Laotian ceremonial textiles are reimagined through a modern lens. These patterns, historically representing spiritual protection and cultural identity, now dance across unconventional cuts and asymmetrical shapes. The juxtaposition of these time-honored designs against cutting-edge tailoring creates a powerful statement about cultural evolution and preservation.
Modern evolution
In a daring departure from traditional Laotian dress codes, Bandid introduces fishnet elements that add a distinctly punk edge. These revealing layers are thoughtfully balanced with textile elements, creating a tension between exposure and concealment. The color palette draws from both worlds—incorporating the rich, earthy tones typical of local Laotian fabric alongside the stark blacks and metallic accents characteristic of punk fashion.
Through his clothes, Bandid not only challenges the conventional boundaries of fashion but also presents a powerful commentary on cultural identity in an increasingly globalized world. The designs serve as a testament to how traditional craftsmanship can evolve and remain relevant while still honoring its roots.
This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!
Photography BJ Pascual
Creative direction Vince Uy
Fashion Ryuji Shiomitsu
Grooming Thazzia Falek
Grooming assistants George Dillinger, Vincci Tardes, and Jhessie Recto
Hair Patty Cristobal
Nails Luz Fortuno (Triple Luck Brow and Nail Salon)
Retouching Summer Untalan
Models Kensuke Adachi (Mercator), Diego Morissens (Luminary), and Eugene Reggio (Mercator)
Production Jones Palteng
Fashion assistants Aaron de Chavez, Ar Valdez, Patricia Naomi Cruz, and Nichole Anne Pura
On location PioneerX Studios
