Tight security for revived Fashion Week


The Bangkok International Fashion Week 2007 (BIFW) organised by Siam Paragon, which started last Thursday, has attracted a moderate crowd amid tight security.


Visitors had to be checked three times before going inside the fashion tent at the entrance to Siam Paragon, at the gate to the fashion tent and just in front of the tent. Some understood the security measure while others were annoyed.

Apart from media and fashionistas, the audience also included foreign buyers. The organisers, including the operators of Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, The Emporium and Siam Discovery Centre, invited 400 foreign buyers and leading media representatives.

Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, BIFW began with hair trends by L'Oreal Professionnel's Nude Colours showcase. The princess also took part in the event by displaying her collections in the exhibition area.

"The hair-colour show is fancy, but it's only for a photo shoot. The hairstyles are not applicable in real life," said Sak, a hairdresser in Siam Square who attended the event to keep up with trends.

Jeweller Tippy&Matthew exhibited many pieces of sparkling jewellery with prices on display. One bracelet cost Bt48,000.

"The show doesn't quite flow the way it should. It's not well prepared like Elle Fashion Week," said Paruhat Ungsakul, an architect and fashion enthusiast who follows fashion events in Bangkok.

Other designers on show in the first half of the event included Time's End, whose new collection reflects big-city trends in black and white.

ANR and Tube Gallery coincidentally came up with army inspiration, but while ANR was more hardcore with a cut-and-paste military style that made event-goers frown, Tube added a touch of pink to its Army of Jaipur, inducing one to think of the movie "Saving Private Tootsie" (Prang Chompoo).
In a bid to revamp the defunct multimillion Bangkok Fashion Week, the event also presented young designers from Srinakarinwirot University's faculty of fine arts. The first BIFW wraps up today with collections by Somchai Kaewthong of Kai Boutique, Pusadee Muntarbhorn of Yosawadee, Flynow and Greyhound.


Kreangsak Suwanpantakul
The Nation