If you’re a fashionista with a soft spot for exotic skins, you’ll love S’uvimol Bangkok. Founded by the Patcharapimol Youngprapakorn and her three daughters – Javamond Pavarodom, Bhonbhisa Pavarodom, and Sivanuj Pavarodom – S’uvimol is the first exotic skin handbag label crafted and designed by celebrated Thai designers. Launched in 2011, the local brand now offers a wide range of timeless, elegant designs across the globe. We were lucky enough to interview Javamond and learn more about how she transitioned from managing the family business Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm to building the fashion retail brand S’uvimol.
Many people may not know that crocodile’s entire body is actually very useful. We use their beautiful skins for leathered goods, as well as their meat. In fact, crocodile meat is popular among Asians because they have very little fat, and it’s also tasty. And crocodile blood surprisingly contains a natural antibiotic which may help fight cancer. It is such a privilege for me to work with exotic crocodile skins. Every time I see them, I cannot get over how pretty it is, and how amazing mother nature came to create such fierce animals with gorgeous skins. I love them. They are such an amazing specie.
The best part about this business… is that I get to work alongside with the most important woman in my life – my mother. The handbag brand was founded by my mum, Patcharapimol Youngprapakorn. She is an expert in the crocodile skin industry. She has the raw materials and she loves fashion. So, she eventually decided to start her own handbag line and named it after my grandmother, S’uvimol.
S’uvimol is now available in… five locations, including Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom, Bloomingdale’s at The Dubai Mall, Harvey Nichols at Mall of The Emirates, Bloomingdale’s in Kuwait and Seef Mall in Bahrain. The quality of our handbags has definitely contributed to our brand’s success abroad. The craftsmanship and designs are also synonymous with the standard of our exotic crocodile leather. Our price strategy is competitive as well, in comparison to other exotic skin handbag brands.
I think the turning point in our business was… when we launched the Square F product line. This design became our signature handbag. It’s a classic, timeless and must-have statement piece for every fashionista.
Even though we are a family business… we keep things very professional. We focus on our goals and work towards that together. And of course, we argue but it’s always for the better, and we listen to each other’s opinions to decide what’s best. At the end of the day, it’s all our family business. We would like to see S’uvimol be readily available for everyone at all major fashion destinations; especially in Tokyo, New York City and Paris.
My mum is absolutely my role model… Even at this age, she still has so much positive energy, always inspiring S’uvimol and many charities. She also takes very good care of herself. Her secret is exercising a lot, indulging in the finer things in life such as fashion, and travelling to different places to recharge and seek for more inspirations. I truly admire my mother, and I am so proud of her.
I think every girl and every woman deserves… to be successful in their careers and their businesses. If I was to give a piece of advice to young fashion lovers – I would say, give it your very best and you’ll be surprised by the results you can achieve. Every mistake, problem and challenge I faced was a blessing in disguise. They have made me stronger and wiser.
S’uvimol Showroom, 25/25 Sukhumvit 26, Klongton, Klong Toey, Bangkok, +66 82 392 2011
Originally from Bangkok, Kiki (@curatedbykiki) is an Aussie transplant with a dash of New York City DNA who fell in love with digital media, fashion, tech and the news. A wanderlust at heart, she is sure to be collecting mileage points or Michelin stars somewhere in a new destination when she's not working.
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