Thai silk for all the world
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Doreign ambassadors turn models in an iarport fashion show like no other
BANGKOK’S FOREIGN diplomatic corps was out in full force for Thursday’s “Thai Summer Glam” fashion show celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, with the ambassadors of Argentina, Norway, South Africa and Switzerland – all women – serving as honorary models.
The wives of many of the male ambassadors joined Ana Maria Ramirez of Argentina, Katja Christina Nordgaard of Norway, Ruby Marks of South Africa and Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland on the runway.
They represented Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Romania and Ukraine.
The parade of silken grandeur took place in the departure terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport – though no one was going anywhere with such beautiful outfits to see.
It was part of a series of events called “Celebration of Silk: The Miracle Journey” organised by the ministries of Commerce and Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority, Rakchat Management Group and Fashion TV.
The departure terminal and both concourses of the airport are hosting an exhibition of silk fabrics through Tuesday, the better for foreigners to learn about Her Majesty’s devotion to the Thai silk industry. The Queen established the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre in 1976 to maintain silk farming and handicrafts and in turn give rural people another source of income.
Silk from every province in Thailand is on display, as is a map showing the location of the craft villages to promote them as “Silk Tourism Destinations”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisarn opened Thursday’s cosmopolitan event and then yielded the stage to a parade of modern designs by students at Srinakarinwirot, Suansunanta, Rajamongkol Srivichai and Bangkok universities. The “Inspired by Thai Airways” selection that followed featured all the silks in fabulous purple.
Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, a Canadian who has made Thailand her home, led other foreign models in a showing of outfits from 22 Thai fashion houses, demonstrating that Thai silk looks great on people of any nationality.
The ladies of the diplomatic corps starred in the finale, with the ambassadors who weren’t actually on the catwalk cheering from the front row. The guest models worked with local designers to create their own outfits.
