The denim designer: Originality guaranteed

It’s not the belly of expat Ben Viapiana’s skateboard, which reads "Goo Khon Thai" (I am Thai), that is causing people to double take these days.

In recent months this Canadian's jeans have been catching people's attention as he takes Bangkok’s urban fashion scene into his own hands.

We sat down with the denim designer to find out more about his life in the fashion business.

CNNGo: How did you get into making jeans?

My dad is a tailor from Italy who has been in the trade since he was five. But when I was a teenager he never liked me wearing jeans -- especially when the style was to show your boxers. So we argued until one day he gave me an ultimatum: "If you can make them, you can wear them."

CNNGo: What led you to the Bangkok fashion scene?

Bangkok fashion is wicked. There's so much here to choose from. I love it, but much of it hinges on a certain fashion being seen before it's done. After people see someone popular wearing certain clothing, they’re all over it. So as a designer it can be difficult to get started. My door opened when I began designing gear for the skating community. They like to be cutting edge and often what they do influences fashion here in some way.

CNNGo: So what is it about jeans that you love so much?

Jeans are different from other tailoring. It’s not about draping fabric. Making jeans feels more similar to construction than what I knew of tailoring. There’s no room for stretch as with other materials. Also, jeans never change drastically, but your skill to create them improves as you go.

CNNGo: What is it about Viapiana that's causing people to notice you?

With Viapiana you get what you ask for. If you want purple denim, super stretched with pink thread, sure I can do that. I make them myself, so there won't be millions of reproductions from a factory. People dig that. We love clothes that make a statement and remind us we’re unique.

Ben's designs are getting him props from local and distant denim lovers alike. You can find the Viapiana brand online or grab one of his collaborations at Bangkok’s Preduce skate shop.

Link: viapiana.posterous.com