(On Phuwin) Jacket, jeans, shoes, all Loewe; (On Milk) Sweater, skirt, shoes, Flamenco bag, all Loewe; Tights, Stylist’s own; (On Tay) Sweater, jeans, shoes, all Loewe

(On Phuwin) T-shirt, pants, all Loewe; (On Milk) Sweater, shorts, Flamenco bag, all Loewe

(On Milk) Dress, shoes, all Loewe; Tights, Stylist’s own; (On Tay) Shirt, pants, sneakers, all Loewe; (On Phuwin) Jacket, pants, shoes, all Loewe

When was the last time you were excited to make a new friend? How did creating authentic and gratifying friendships become so tough? Social media is increasingly usurping the fun out of social interaction, so there’s no way to truly tell if a conversation between two humans can develop into something more, something deeper, or remain as a chance, fleeting rubbing of shoulders — even with a set intention. It’s already hard to take action face-to-face, let alone with a contentious, digital middleman and no body language to clue in on. But that’s not all.

In the entertainment world, this entire procession is complicated further by the industry’s business nature, which by itself is a whole other art form of communication. The various types of interpersonal codes of conduct that artistes have to lithely navigate makes finding that jackpot connection even more challenging, even if it were just amongst peers. Scarce, but hence, rare and even more treasured if found.

Behavioural scientists assure us that what makes someone feel like a lifelong friend after a couple of minutes isn’t about similarity, but about the willingness to play. To riff off of each other, to build a world or shared reality that belongs just to them. Of course, this requires courage, curiousity and most importantly, heart. But what’s a bit of a challenge in the name of collective growth? Here — with Loewe — we endeavour.

More specifically, we are employing Tay Tawan, 34, Milk Pansa, 29 and Phuwin Tangsakyuen, 22, to get cosy on our behalf. This unlikely trio from GMMTV come together for a professional project for the first time — in an unlikely space and under unlikely weather conditions. But as much as it was grey and stormy, spirits remained high as mischief ensued. And instead of recording that discovery session word-for-word, we invite this new constellation of stars to share in their own ways, everything they once and now know about the nature of friendship.

Coat, jeans, all Loewe

Tay Tawan

It felt like we were three siblings at today’s shoot. I was the big-hearted older brother, Milk was the caring middle sister, and Phuwin was the little brother, quick-witted and mischievous like a cat. We all work differently, but we pay attention and support each other to make sure everything fits together. I don’t often look at the monitor, but Milk always double-checks it for me, while Phuwin helps keep our work on track without getting too carried away.

There’s a quote my grandmother often shared with me about friendship: “Friendship is love without wings.” I’ve come to learn over time that true friendship is about being together through both happiness and hardship. When you overcome both together, the relationship grows stronger and becomes something time can hardly break. Friends see our weaknesses and help us blossom, because nobody is perfect. I tend to overthink and doubt myself, so I am grateful to those who always help me rise above that. I hope that when someone offers small acts of care consistently, I never get used to them — I don’t want to ever forget to truly appreciate them.

Friendship also comes in many forms. If we don’t judge someone too quickly and try to get along, we can have friends who mirror our own ways of thinking and those who are very different but bring balance and fulfilment, both personally and professionally. I love that we can have many friends of both types all at the same time.

This past birthday, I received countless well wishes, love, and kindness from the friendships that have crossed my life. Some people may have drifted away over time due to different paths, but on this special day, many returned to make me feel cherished again.

Three things I’ve learned about friendship:

1. When we stay true to ourselves, the right friends come into our lives
2. You’re one of your best friends
3. Strong friendships can really change us for the better

(On Milk) Sweater, skirt, all Loewe; (On Tay) Sweater, jeans, all Loewe; (On Phuwin) Jacket, jeans, Flamenco bag, sneakers, all Loewe

Dress, shoes, Puzzle bag, all Loewe; Tights, Stylist’s own

Milk Pansa

Normally, I don’t get many chances to do magazine shoots with my friends and colleagues from the same label. But Tay and Phuwin brought such great energy, so this team we made allowed the whole experience to turn out incredibly fun and memorable.

I was already familiar with both of them prior. But collaborating on a fashion shoot for the first time was very inspiring, as I got to see another side of them, whether through the creativity of their poses or their individual approaches to work.

My very first experience of friendship is with my family. There’s always genuine care and sincerity around, and even though we sometimes have conflicts or differences, we still respect and support each other’s decisions. But what has come to define friendship for me are the friendships that come out from my university days. Building those took time, and naturally, there were moments of conflict. Yet whenever one of us faced difficulties or felt troubled, we were able to confide one another, offer support, and find ways to ease the stress together. Nearly a decade later, that bond of friendship has remained just as strong.

Being in the entertainment industry has taught me a lot about friendship from personal growth to getting to know new people. I’ve learned that relationships come and go, and in some ways I’ve come to understand that. Whether it’s friendship or any other bond, everything can change because people’s personalities, thoughts, and feelings are always evolving. But there are also those types that slowly grow with mutual care and concern over time. I’m so thankful for all my friends in the industry who have always supported me. Their advice, guidance, and enduring friendship have been invaluable to me throughout my journey.

Three things I’ve learned about friendship:

1. There is beauty in supporting one another
2. New experiences and new connections can be gained through friendship
3. True friendships always remain warm, even with distance and time apart

(On Phuwin) T-shirt, pants, shoes, all Loewe; (On Milk) Sweater, skirt, shoes all Loewe; Tights, Stylist’s own; (On Phuwin) Coat, jeans, all Loewe

Jacket, pants, shoes, all Loewe

Phuwin Tangsakyuen

Everything from the set to the studio was beautiful. This was also my first time working with P’Milk, so I learned quite a lot about her.

To me, friends look out for each other. This doesn’t just mean in a physical sense; it’s also about thinking about each other. My earliest memory of friendship must have been with the best friend I made in kindergarten, but the experience that best encapsulates my definition of a great friendship is when my entire friend group was there for one of my friends who got hospitalised. We didn’t really talk to each other, but we all showed up and when it mattered the most and that’s what really counts.

One thing I feel like people take for granted in friendships is the time you spend together. It comes and goes and you never know when it’s going to end. Some of my friendships have ceased to exist, and I learned that sometimes some people can just stop caring about you, even if they did in the past. And that’s okay.

I’m grateful to have what I have with P’Tay, although he is older. He has been someone I have relied on many a time, gently guiding me through difficult situations with grace and especially when I am lost. I look up to him, and he’s also a great person to hang out with and enjoy life with. I hope I can also do the same, and in general, be a friend that others not only call for help, but someone people call to share their joy.

Three things I’ve learned about friendship:

1. It’s okay to let go of some relationships
2. Friendships are built on trust and respect
3. Don’t expect things in return but also know when you are giving too much

(On Milk) Jacket, Loewe; (On Tay) Hoodie, Loewe; (On Phuwin) T-shirt, Loewe; (On Tay) Jacket, pants, all Loewe 

Photography Nelson Chong
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Interview Charmaine Tan
Executive Producer and Fashion Coordination Manfred Lu 
Makeup (Milk) Suphanut 
Hair (Milk) Krateng
Grooming (Tay and Phuwin) Sutipat
Hair (Tay and Phuwin) Sirasit
Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
Photography Assistant Bernard Chong 
Styling Assistant Kanokphit Janit 

Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2025 issue.