Issue 25

The fashion industry in Thailand is showing the world that Thai textile and garment manufacturers, and fashion designers are ready to take their creations overseas.

Held from March 11 to 15, the 33rd Bangkok International Fashion Fair (BIFF&BIL 2015) saw over 500 companies present their latest products and services. Various DITP projects were showcased at the event, from the Designer’s Room to an Eco Fashion exhibition. There were also seminars on business development for fashion industry entrepreneurs.

“This year … the [number of] exhibitors increased by 17.5% from last year, with international exhibitors from more than 10 countries worldwide such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Sweden,” says DITP deputy director-general Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat.

On the opening day of the fair, the DITP and the International Textile and Clothing Trade Office of Japan hosted the Creative Crossing fashion show to exhibit some of the designers from their respective countries participating in this project. Aimed at strengthening the brand value of the textile and fashion industry, this international collaboration attracted a crowd that included designers, fashion buyers, government officials and fashion enthusiasts.

Young Thai designers also showcased their latest creations at the fair. “Sixty percent of my clients are from overseas, mostly from Japan, Malaysia and Austria,” says designer and executive director of Bangkok-based Paul Direk fashion brand, Krungthep Direkmahamongkol, who has participated in various activities held by the DITP since 2009. “The fashion industry in Thailand is growing; the young generation is more interested in fashion than ever. The feedback that I get from the BIFF&BIL has been better and better every year.”

Direkmahamongkol thanked the DITP for helping young designers gain more recognition. “For those who have no idea how to start in this industry, you can check the DITP website and join some of its activities,” he says.

Jose Ojeda, CEO of online fashion business Zalora Thailand, attended the fair as a speaker at a seminar hosted by the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association. He also sings the virtues of the event. “Attending the BIFF&BIL is a great opportunity to meet different brands. I’m happy to be a part [of it], to accelerate the growth of fashion brands online,” he says.

Many traders and manufacturing associations in the fashion, textile and garment industry also participated at the BIFF&BIL to gain recognition for their trade as well as explore new business opportunities with overseas partners.

“The DITP is constantly encouraging growth and development. We get everyone from the lifestyle industry here, from manufacturers of textile to ready-to-wear products,” says Pranee Kuruvelukorn Chairperson of Thai Tanning Industry Association, adding that the association has been working with the DITP for 33 years. “We are honest and understand clients, we’re responsible, and we believe clients are like friends that we need to take care of.”

The only note of caution is that BIFF&BIL might become a victim of its own success, at least according to Thai buyer Malisa Darbhatisha who has been attending the fair for two years. “This year, there are more exhibitors and more interesting products on display. I think holding the fair twice a year may be better as I think once a year is not enough.”

Words by Sirinuch Borsub