As we explore the theme of ‘Ideas, Perseverance, and Attention to Detail’ this year, my heart naturally gravitates towards small, home-grown brands in Southeast Asia. Among them, I am excited to share a brand that embodies these very principles.
Why Home-Grown Brands?
What makes small, home-grown brands so appealing? For me, it’s their raw authenticity in connecting with others to share their passion. When you look at a brand’s designs, products, and offerings, you see their values and drive shining through. This transparency strikes a chord with customers, fuelling the brand’s creativity and passion. Such a personal connection is often lost in interactions with larger corporations.
Spotlight on Copse Studio
Several Southeast Asian brands have won my loyalty, and one of them is Copse Studio. This Thai contemporary brand specialises in apparel, with a primary focus on footwear and leather goods. Amid the frenzy of short-form content and social media marketing on platforms like TikTok, where fast fashion and over-consumerism prevail, Copse Studio distinguishes itself by creating handcrafted, classic pieces that transcend fleeting trends. Each product is inspired by culture, travel, and utility, resulting in essential items for everyday life.
None of their products seem out of place, with every product meticulously designed with attention to detail. Take their two shirt designs, for instance – it showcases their unwavering dedication, from the choice of material to the precision of the embroidery. This focus on essential items embodies their philosophy of creating timeless pieces suitable for any occasion.
A Common Origin Story
Copse Studio’s origins echo the humble beginnings of many luxury brands, like Gucci. Gucci started as a small workshop producing high-quality leather goods. Guccio envisioned combining the refined aesthetics he observed in high-end hotels with the craftsmanship of local artisans. Similarly, Copse Studio was born from a intention to merge quality Thai craftsmanship with modern, contemporary design.
Driven by a simple passion for leather fisherman shoes that were nearly impossible to find in Thailand, Copse Studio’s founders took matters into their own hands and decided to create their own. They enlisted the help of a friend’s father, who had expertise in shoe design. Launched in 2019, Copse Studio faced a rocky start amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many shoe factories to close. However, through perseverance and strategic partnerships, Copse Studio emerged strong and managed to navigate through the pandemic. As word spread about Copse contemporary style, they found a community of customers who shared their distinct taste in style.
Over time, Copse Studio’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality has distinguished them from typical shoe brands in Thailand. The founders, who also serve as designers, work hand-in-hand with shoemakers. The parallels between Gucci and Copse Studio are evident: both brands began with a strong emphasis on quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, aiming to create products that were not only functional, but also stylish and built to last.
Hand-crafted sandals by Thai artisans at Copse Studio
Gucci grew steadily, prioritising quality and exclusivity, paving its ascent to global luxury status. Copse Studio follows a similar path. Beginning with a small community, Copse Studio has evolved into a niche brand, resonating with like-minded individuals who value classic and quality apparel. Their latest masterpiece, the Overlap Shoulder Bag, exemplifies their artistry – a handcrafted made-to-order piece composed from 90 individual leather pieces, meticulously assembled and interconnected using rings.
Copse Studio’s Overlap shoulder bag, crafted from 90 individual leather pieces
The Rise of Southeast Asian Brands
Southeast Asian fashion brands like Copse Studio are capturing attention with their unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, often rivalling Western counterparts but at more accessible prices. Drawing on a rich heritage of traditional crafts such as weaving, dyeing, and hand embroidery, these brands incorporate locally sourced materials into their modern designs. This fusion of the old and the new not only showcases the region’s cultural wealth but also gives these brands a distinctive edge.
As these brands continue to expand their reach through digital platforms, they are reshaping perceptions of Southeast Asia as a hub of craftsmanship and creativity. Their ability to deliver premium-quality products at accessible prices underscores their potential to disrupt and diversify the global fashion landscape, making luxury and artisanal craftsmanship more inclusive and desired.
Conclusion
In celebrating ‘Ideas, Perseverance, and Attention to Detail’, Copse Studio exemplifies these values through their commitment to quality and thoughtful design. As Southeast Asian brands continue to rise, they bring with them stories of resilience and creativity, proving that even the smallest, home-grown brands can make a significant impact on the global stage. Copse Studio is a testament to this potential, blending tradition and meticulous craftsmanship to create lasting fashion statements.
