A wedding gown from Kai Boutique drew plaudits from patrons of the first Bangkok International Fashion Week.

Patrons were impressed with a rare showing of bridal gowns from wedding and eveningwear designer Somchai Kaewthong.

His Kai Boutique designs drew gasps of admiration from fashion cognoscenti crowding the show.

"He doesn't often exhibit his wedding gowns. They are all hand-sewn and so special," said one local follower of fashion.

The week was closed by "Oil on Canvas" from Chamnan Pakdeesuk's Flynow.

The fashion week was organised by high-end retail-centre operators Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon. They are hosting the annual event following the withdrawal of the government-backed Bangkok Fashion City project.

The four-day event helped increase the profile of Bangkok and its ambitions of becoming a truly international fashion centre.

Designers praised the resurrection of the fashion week. The organisers invited foreign buyers and fashion press.

Jimmy Choo of London, Dorian Ho from Hong Kong and Khoon Hooi of Malaysia were last Thursday presented with BIFW Recognition Awards from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, helping to boost the event's international profile.

The three designers displayed their latest collections at the Fashion Hall at Siam Paragon.

Choo said the sophisticated women of Bangkok inspired his exhibition.

Hooi is a frequently visitor to the capital and is optimistic about the country's fashion industry.

"Bangkok is one of the world's fashionable cities and the Thai fashion industry is catching up with the West," he said.

"It will not be too difficult for Thai designers to succeed in the international fashion world."

Ditaya Boonphun

The Nation