Right Now with Wanida
The Nike Air Footscape Woven is one of the most requested styles we have had over the passed 5 years at Shelflife. We are beyond excited to drop two new colourways, with the first one dropping this Tuesday the 12th of September 2023. To celebrate we have worked on something special with Yui Keeping from Wanida Boutique to tell her story through our own campaign- stay tuned for the full campaign!
She is an incredible woman and designer, who is passionate about supporting local industry and whose dress creations are as unique as her journey to the fashion arena. Yui embodies the spirit of creativity and connection- whether it be to her passion for design, her love for nature or her connection to her past- making her the perfect protagonist. We caught up with Yui to see where she draws inspiration from, and to tell us more about her business.
SL: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
YK: Hi my name is Wanida (Yui) Keeping I grew up Northern Thailand in a small town called Nan.
SL: What was your region famous for where you grew up, and did this influence what you are doing today?
YK: Nan is well-known for producing Thai silk and Thailands famous rice. I grew up around women that would hand make beautiful coloured Thai silk by loom which was always an inspiration for me and has always been in my mind.
My family is Buddhist, and so I grew up in a strict traditional family. I studied with the Royal Thai army and worked as a nurse as my family wished, but I always dreamed of studying fashion and wanted to design my own clothes.
SL: What brought you to Cape Town South Africa and what year was that?
YK: I was transferred to Bangkok in 2008 to study further. I met my husband Nicholas there who is from Cape Town, South Africa. We got married in 2015 and decided to make the move to Cape Town in 2016.
SL: There are vast differences in culture, community and environment to where you grew up, what are some of the highlights for you living in South Africa?
YK: I really enjoy the freedom of creativity in Cape Town and the fashion community here. So many African cultures all pouring into one city! I love nature so I love the easy access to the ocean and all the mountains.
SL: So Wanida Boutique, where did the name come from and when did you start your business?
YK: Wanida Boutique was started in 2018. Wanida means beautiful woman in Thai. In 2016 to 2017 I worked for a fashion designer and a jewellery designer which was very inspiring and taught me a lot about having a business.
SL: What was the motivation to start your business? We also know that you support local by having everything made in South Africa, why is this important to you?
YK: I’ve always dreamed of making clothing and having my own brand since I was a little girl and now that little girls dreams have come true. It’s great to support other local businesses from sourcing materials to supporting the local ladies that help me make the dresses. We build up and make our own community at the end of the day
SL: Where do you draw your biggest inspirations from get your new ideas from?
YK: My biggest inspiration is what I dreamed of wearing as a young girl to feel like a princess- from nature, culture and travel experiences.
SL: What keeps you motivated and happy with your business?
YK: Waking up and being able to do what I’ve always wanted to do and to see how much joy my dresses bring to people.
The Nike Women's Air Footscape Woven 'Cow Print' drops on Tuesday the 12th of September. Stay locked in for more details!