Bangkok Fashion Week 2005 From August 17

[george]

Bangkok Fashion Week 2005 from August 17

BANGKOK: Bangkok will be resplendent with colourful outfits and fashionable designers around the middle of the month when Bangkok Fashion Week kicks off to promote Thailand as the region’s fashion hub.

Anna Limpichart, managing director of the AV Group – the organiser of the event – said fashion shows would be held twice a year, with the first from August 17-21 and the second in March next year.

The highlight of the event will be a collection designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Siriwanwaree, the Royal Granddaughter, as well as designs by young Thai designers.

The show will also include 33 design collections by 30 Thai and Singaporean garment brands.

The event will feature a trade fair with 90 booths showcasing apparel, leather and gems and jewellery by manufacturers and exporters.

“We aim to attract people from around the world and show Bangkok as a fashion city through our creativity designs,” Anna said.

The government has approved a budget of Bt320 million for the event, of which 60 per cent will be spent on the August fashion week and the rest for March. Anna said 10-20 per cent of the budget would be used for advertising.

She added that the AV Group had exceeded its budget by Bt20 million for the first fashion week. To complete the plan, it has to construct a “Fashion Dome” next to Benjakitti Park at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

The AV Group has already secured sponsorship from Nokia, UBC, Thai Airways International and Click Radio.

It has also invited media from around the world to attend a press conference, including NHK and the BBC.

The group expects 100,000 visitors to attend the trade fair and 600 visitors to attend the fashion shows.

--Agencies 2005-08-09