Designers hope to show Thai fashion is more than cheap silk and knock-offs

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2005

BANGKOK (AFP) — Thai fashion is more than just cheap silk and brand-name imitations, a group of designers from the kingdom hope to show the world.

Under a catwalk set up inside a white inflatable dome built on a lake in suburban Bangkok, models were to begin strutting out Thursday at Thailand's inaugural fashion week event.

The 35 shows will feature original creations by 40 designers including locally well-known names like Metta Tantisajjatham and Chanita Preechawitayakul, who have already found some success overseas.

Running until Sunday, the event will also host runway shows at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre and trade fairs promoting textiles and jewellery.

The fashion week event is part of a joint government-private effort known as "Bangkok...