American fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar joined Tourism Authority of Thailand, TikTok, M.A.C. Cosmetics, SCG, and a roster of global and local brands including 12 Thai designers to stage the Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2023 earlier this month with a focus on the future of fashion.

“Many brands are dedicated to showcasing fashion designs that adhere to the concept of sustainability—a global trend that has garnered significant attention in the fashion industry, particularly among top brands,” the Bangkok Post newspaper wrote in a review of the show.

TimeOut, an entertainment website in Thailand, wrote that “The event also featured discussions revolving around the concept of advancing Thai fashion through sustainable design. These discussions will include insights from representatives of the government sector and prominent designers in Thailand.”

One example was a collaboration between designer Sit Chanachai Chariyathana from the brand FRI27NOV and SCG, formerly known as Siam Cement, which is the largest building materials conglomerate in the region. Sit created a complete line of upcycled clothing using old and discarded SCG cement bags. 

Fashion is a field in which Thailand has been burnishing its reputation in recent years as home-grown designers and brands are being increasingly recognized for their creativity and marketability. Each year, Thai brands penetrate more widely into global markets.

They range from glamorous high fashion to sportswear and streetwear. Among the brands that have been making their mark beyond the Kingdom’s borders are Nagara, Greyhound, Fly Now, Sretsis, Kai, Kloset and Senada Theory.

And more are on the horizon. The event made space to showcase fashions conjured up by students at Silpakorn University, the Kingdom’s leading arts school, and several other universities where art and design are part of their programs.

Photo courtesy of https://www.timeout.com/