Longest Catwalk at Pattaya International Fashion Week 2010 set World record

Fifty models of different nationalities along with 14 ambassadors’ wives will parade on a 1.5-kilometre ramp along the beach.With the aim of reviving tourism, the Bt20-million-event, being held from April 8-11, is being hosted by Pattaya City, Ministry of Commerce, Intellectual Property Department and Elite Model Management Southeast Asia, Rakchart Management and Central Festival Pattaya.

“The government is focusing on the importance of a new approach to the economy through creativity, or “Creative Economy” to boost the country’s competitiveness and increase the value of our products,” said Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot.

“Creativity helps to create differences in products, making them unique and more wanted in the global market,” Alongkorn said yesterday at a press conference at CentralWorld.

“Pattaya brings in Bt50 million to Bt70 million profit each year for the country’s economy. We hope the event will boost the tourism business here,” Itthiphol Khunplome, the mayor of Pattaya said.

Edward Kitti of Rakchart said that Pattaya has a market for trendy fashion, as well as the availability of products in shopping malls. “In organising a fashion show, which will be broadcast on many international channels, it is hoped that the world will get to know Pattaya better through fashion, as well as restoring tourists’ confidence in Thailand as a holiday destination,” he said.

The world-record catwalk will take place on April 9 with 50 models as well as 14 ambassadors’ wives wearing Thai silk costumes made from Royal Peacock Silk from HRH Queen Sirikit’s Support Foundation. The costumes will be designed by Praepetch, Viengthaisilk, Polini, Niramon, All Lit Up, Puvasa, Asada, B-Bee Za, Tiara and Happy Heart. The aim is for wider recognition of Thai silk throughout the world. As well as Thai brands, some international brands will also be showcasing their Spring/Summer 2010 Collection; Esprit, Mango, US Polo, Dapper, Charles & Keith, Castro, Promod, Guess, Jaspal, Chaps, Speedo, Bossini and Triumph.

Under the Creative Thailand Economy project, a design contest will be held for young designers together with a fashion show on jewellery and hairstyling and mini concerts.