Thai lifestyle show STYLE Bangkok opened its doors to the trade in spectacular, theatrical style yesterday (April 17) as colourful dancers took to the stage as part of the exhibition’s opening ceremony.
“STYLE Bangkok is the successful result of an integrated attempt, launched in 2017, in bringing together three key international lifestyle trade fairs – the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair; the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair, and the Thailand International Furniture Fair – all of which have been held for more than 20 years,” explained Boonyarit Kalayanamit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. “The merger of the three mega fairs makes it convenient for buyers to have access to a wide range of products all under one roof.”
Among the British VIPs attending was the creative director of Eponine London, Jet Shenkman, a couture fashion house which created a one off, Thai embroidered dress for a guest at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding last year. “The fabrics we use include some from the Hmong hill tribe in Chaiangmai, a community that makes beautiful embroidered materials,” Jet told GiftsandHome.net. “We’re visiting STYLE Bangkok to find beautiful fabrics and to be inspired.”
A major trend at the show this year is sustainability. Speaking to GiftsandHome.net, Vannapora Ketudat, deputy director general of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), commented: “the global interest in sustainable materials has meant that there is increased interest in Thai products made from bamboo, which grows everywhere in Bangkok and is pesticide free. Nothing goes to waste in Thailand. We use pineapple fibres to make clothes, and here at the show, there is giftware made from cow droppings and a clock made from elephant poo. We are constantly looking to bring out something new that helps the environment. “
Added Vannapora: “To guide buyers, we have a logo, the Thailand Trust Mark, which signifies that products are eco friendly. In fact, next year, STYLE Bangkok will be based around this theme.”
Other examples of sustainability included colourful, printed handbags made out of re-used polyester by Repleat, and soaps and personal care products made from varieties of Thai rice.
Show highlights include the Innovation and Design Zone and the New Faces section, which is showcasing products from entrepreneurs from Bangkok and the Thai provinces, along with OTOP products, made by local Thai artisans, which are ready for export.
STYLE Bangkok runs until April 21 and is taking place at BITEC, Bangna. Visit www.stylebangkokfair.com
Top: Dignataries at the opening of STYLE Bangkok yesterday.
