Milan Fashion Week has a particular kind of chaos. Not the stressful kind, but the cinematic kind – alright, maybe a little stressful too. The kind where the streets around Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga feel permanently gridlocked, where espresso becomes a survival strategy, where publicists murmur into headsets like air-traffic controllers, and where everyone is somehow late and impeccably dressed. Four times a year, the city transforms into the centre of European fashion before the caravan moves on to Paris, leaving behind a faint trail of garment bags and very tired editors and photographers.

VOA Fashion — alongside our main publication, View of the Arts – wouldn’t dream of missing it.

Between photographing out-of-this-world couture, sublime tailoring, and the occasional delightfully disordered street-style experiment, we found ourselves doing what everyone does during Fashion Week: running. Running between venues and running after talent. And just when we started to resemble particularly chic headless chickens, we finally slowed down long enough to sit across from two of the calmest people in Milan that week.

Thai actors and rising fashion fixtures, Pavel and Pooh.

With Pavel scheduled to attend Gucci and Pooh heading to Tod’s on Februray 27th, the pair arrived in the city not only as guests, but as part of a broader shift we’ve noticed across the European circuit: Asian artists no longer standing on the sidelines of luxury fashion, but firmly at its centre as ambassadors, front-row regulars, and the faces of campaigns.

And yet, sitting with them, there is no drama and no diva energy. Just two friends happy to talk about food, clothes, and how strange it still feels to be here.

“This isn’t your first time in Italy,” we say.

“It is amazing, actually,” Pavel replies immediately, smiling like he’s replaying the memory in real time. “The first time we came to Italy, it was for a fan meeting, so everything felt really exciting – seeing the fans, the cities, the history. And now we’re in Milan, which is the fashion city, and being here for Milan Fashion Week is quite a big opportunity. I think this is another big step for us, especially coming here to Europe.”

Pooh nods, adding his own first impression, “For me, the first thing I noticed when I came to Italy was the weather. It’s a little bit better than Thailand; Italy has very nice weather. The city vibe of Milan and Rome feels kind of similar, but also different in terms of the people and the energy.”

I think it’s going to be another tight year, another busy year, but we’ll try our best. From last year’s experience, we learned a lot. The schedule was very intense. This time, we’re trying to manage things better. – Pavel

It’s such a simple observation, but it says everything: they simply pay attention to everything that is happening around them. Of course, before we even reach the subject of fashion, the conversation derails – as all good Italian conversations do – into food.

“The food is amazing,” Pavel says, with the enthusiasm of someone who has just discovered heaven on a plate… and it involves olive oil.

The night before, they’d had dinner at MUDEC – Museo delle Culture Restaurant, a Michelin-starred spot known for its experimental tasting menus and wine pairings.

“It was more like an experience,” he explains. “Seven courses, wine pairings, so many glasses on the table. And I like how the food actually has history. Every plate comes with a story – ingredients from Sicily, wines from different regions – everything sourced from around Italy.”

Pooh laughs. “It’s very different from Thailand. When we eat in Thailand, it’s just eating. But here, dinner is social. You talk, you chat, you really spend time together.”

“It took us four hours,” Pavel adds, mock-exhausted.

“Yes,” Pooh agrees. “Many hours.”

Somehow, that feels like the perfect metaphor for Italy: nobody rushes pleasure.

READ MORE: Pavel and Pooh on Their Work Together

When the topic finally swings back to Fashion Week logistics, fitting, outfits, the carefully orchestrated dance of getting dressed for the right brand at the right time, their approach is refreshingly down-to-earth.

“We discuss it a little bit,” Pavel says, “and then we trust our team to pick what suits us best – what’s on trend and what fits the brand. Tomorrow we’re going to the actual event, and I think you guys will really like the looks. It’s going to be very good.”

Pooh sees it as a collaboration. “I think it’s teamwork. I still have my own taste and identity for the look, but we also take ideas from the stylist team and the brand. Everything combines to create the best look.”

Both describe themselves as experimental, just in different languages.

“I think we both are,” Pavel says. “We both like to try new things and experiment with trends, just with different styles.”

For him, fashion can be cultural storytelling. “There’s one trend that’s very popular in Thailand right now. It mixes traditional Thai clothing with genderless styling. For example, wearing pieces that women wore 500 years ago, but styling them for men. It doesn’t have to be limited by gender. I think it’s a really good representation of modern Thailand.”

Right now, we have two main projects confirmed, but there might be more – other series, events, things like Fashion Week. We’re always open. – Pooh

Pooh’s taste is more architectural. “For me, I usually wear more minimal or ‘quiet luxury’ styles. I feel confident when the focus is on quality and craftsmanship, good materials, and well-made clothes.”

One bold, one refined; together, perfectly balanced.

The fittings themselves sound like a fever dream of marble floors and endless rails of clothing.

“Oh… that’s a secret,” Pooh teases when we ask what they’ll be wearing, before immediately giving it away. “Not really a secret. Yesterday we went for fittings. The shop was really, really big – beautiful too. I chose my look, adjusted some sizes, and I think tomorrow will be very interesting.”

Pavel grins. “For me, tomorrow feels like a big day. I went to the Gucci store – the biggest flagship in Europe – and it was quite an experience. The hospitality was amazing. You could really see all the options, the craftsmanship, the full collection. I think tomorrow’s looks will feel new and exciting.”

Then he adds, almost like a fan himself, “And for this collection, the designer Demna is bringing something fresh. I like his taste and his style – it’s chic, a little crazy, very bold. It makes the collection feel iconic.”

Between the shows, the travel, the filming schedules back home, and the inevitable fan encounters, we wonder how they survive it all. Surely there must be a secret system, a strict routine, a survival manual?

“Survival tips?!” Pavel laughs. “I actually think it’s a pleasant experience. Meeting fans is something we really appreciate. They wait a long time for us – sometimes outside in the cold or rain – so we’re very grateful. As long as there’s mutual respect and space between everyone, it becomes a really good experience.”

There’s something disarmingly sincere in their answer: no complaints, no theatrics, just genuine gratitude for what life has given them.

When we ask about the future, they exchange the kind of look that suggests we’re about to be politely denied classified information.

“Are you trying to get secrets from us?” Pooh jokes.

What they can reveal is already plenty: a fan concert, a new series titled The Grim Lover, and a year that promises to be even busier than the last.

“I think it’s going to be another tight year, another busy year,” Pavel says. “But we’ll try our best. From last year’s experience, we learned a lot. The schedule was very intense. This time, we’re trying to manage things better – balancing work and lifestyle, figuring out what we can improve. I think this year will feel better and smoother for us. And we want to create something iconic. Bigger than before. The fans really miss that energy.”

Pooh nods. “Right now, we have two main projects confirmed, but there might be more – other series, events, things like Fashion Week. We’re always open.”

Then Pavel leans forward, breaking into a grin. “So if anyone is listening or reading… please invite us to your country too!”

And just like that, the polished Fashion Week façade drops, replaced by two artists who still seem genuinely thrilled to be here at all. Outside, Milan is its usual beautiful chaos: horns honking, cameras flashing, and yes, heels clicking on stone. Another show is starting, and another crowd is gathering.

But for a brief moment, everything feels peaceful.

Two Thai actors, a table, memories of seven courses, and too many wine glasses, and the understanding that this, the travel, the fans, the clothes, the conversations, is all part of something larger.

Fashion Week may be chaos, but Pavel and Pooh, somehow, make it feel like home.

Interviewed by Alessia Belotti

Written by Maggie Gogler

Image © Alessia Belotti for View of the Arts and VOA Fashion / CHANGE 2561

_{A big thank you to the Jus In Bello Team for assisting us with the interview!}

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}