Driven by authenticity and functionality, Laend Phuengkit is raking in design awards while fusing his culturally rich background into his clothing. Born in Switzerland with Thai heritage, his collections have been a melange of the crisp Swiss aesthetic with the rich colors of Thailand. Having just graduated in 2009, he's been freelance designing in Berlin while forming collections and collaborations that are propelling him forward. Laend Phuengkit's new designing voice in fashion is refreshing. See why.

In an interview with Styleclicker, he discussed the fragility of the line between being an artist and being a designer. He considers himself a designer because fundamentally a sense of functionality exists within his clothes. Laend Phuengkit sheds some light on whom he feels cross the line:

"Maison Martin Margiela define themselves as artists. This clearly is a marketing strategy. Fashion shows are a centre of attraction and made for marketing purposes. Some do super abstract shows, just to be talked about and feed the media, like Patrick Mohr. I dont think of his clothes as very outlandish, but the concept behind it comes out even and sells well. Its provocative on the strengths of its boredom and wearability. Isnt it just all about causing a stir so as to sell a prêt-à-porter collection? I have seen through them a long time ago (laughs)."

Now experience Fall 2012 from Laend Phuengkit.