Published on June 21, 2005

White is no longer de rigueur for bridal gowns, according to the new generation of Thai designers

With more young lovers wanting to tie the knot with an unusual twist, Thailand is gaining in popularity as a tourist destination for the ultimate wedding.

For those not wishing to say “I do” underwater, atop a mountain or on the back of an elephant, there were suggestions on everything from dresses and rings to kitchenware and finance at “A Perfect Wedding, A Perfect Honeymoon” exposition held in Bangkok earlier this month.

While her wedding day is supposed to be the most memorable occasion in a woman’s life, it is often the most stressful too, so the fair, now in its 12th year, is a valuable resource for the blushing brides and their families.

Co-organisers Bangkok Fashion City and the Thailand Textile Institute wowed the crowds by holding the finals of the Thailand Wedding Designer Award 2005 at the fair.

According to Busaya Prakobthong, a judge from the NCC group, the contest promotes both Thai wedding fashion and its young designers on the international stage and enhances the country’s reputation as a great place to marry and honeymoon.

Just 10 of the 160 entries in the Bride of Asian Magic contest were selected for the final round.

The top prize went to the dress called China Wall by Prasert Butprom from Technology Rajmongkol Institute, who received a Royal Cup from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and diamond jewellery worth Bt50,000 from Nash Kelly.

Praset named his creation “because love is strong like the Great Wall, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World”.

The dress is made of silk pads that form three tiers of “walls”, each decorated with hundreds of gold capsules. He assured the judges that all the materials used are available in Thailand.

Sarun Yookhongdi was first runner-up with his “Hill Tribe” and received Nash Kelly jewellery valued at Bt30,000.

The gown is in a rich copper, decorated from the neck to hip line with fibres and silver with a flowing skirt. It was inspired by the peaceful way of life in the mountains and the tradition of enduring love.

The second runner-up was Krit Suwandechochai for China Throne of Princess, a rich red gown with a skirt designed like the rooftop of a Chinese palace and embroidered with the image of a phoenix and dragon. It reflects the architectural richness of one of the world’s oldest civilisations.

Krit received Bt20,000 worth of diamond jewellery from Nash Kelly.

The other seven – Life is Beginning by Chalermkit Podamas, Toob Kradong Bride by Anujit Maulprom, Wedding@Krabi by Kritwannavat Suphapol, Far East Asian Bride by Natchanun Trijaturong, Himalaya Vision by Saranyoo Pansa, River of Life by Veerasak Wangpubodi and Vijitr by Chaiyuth Duang-nim – earned certificates. Most had taken about two months to prepare the dresses with the help of family and friends.

The fair offered a comprehensive range of products and services for nuptial preparations, including hotels, restaurants, caterers, studios, films company, gifts, jewellery, beauty care, planners and bridal registries.

Orapin Kiatvacharapong

The Nation

Post your comment to this story here