Bangkok--Mar 18--Tourism New Zealand
While WOW is calling upon designers around the world to join their competition, Tourism New Zealand and its local partner Taxila Fashion School, are paving a silky way through a local workshop & pre-selection for qualified Thai designers to be the next winners on this world-class international design contest.
WOW is inviting young designers worldwide to show off their talents at the World of WearableArt Awards 2005 to be held, this year for the first time in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, between September 23 and October 2. Tourism New Zealand and Taxila Fashion School will hold a free workshop on Wednesday 30 March 2005, during 1300-1630 hours, for interested Thai designers to learn tricks and tips from the previous winners to win the competition.
Previously not quite known in Thailand, WOW has now become an exciting and longed-for international design competition among both Thai designers and those who appreciate Thai design. Thai designers Vorachai Tong-on’s “Nok-yoong” or “Peacock” won a third place in WOW’s Avant-Garde Section in 2003. Last year, three young Thai designers flew home with grander prizes from the international contest.
Seephum Srisopa grabbed the top prize with his “Hot Speaker” in Scenic Circles Hotels Bizarre Bra Section. His unique bra won not only the hearts of the committee, but also that of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clarke. Kritsada Tongpan, whose “Mascot of the Child’s Dream” won top award in Children’s Section last year, has now continued with his dream to establish his own brand in Thailand. While Vasupar Asavasupreecha, whose “Fly of Memory” won a second place in the Reflective Surface Section, as well as winner for the Creative Excellence Award, would further her studies in Fashion.
It is even better for eligible Thai designers this year since Tourism New Zealand, in co-operation with Taxila, will hold a workshop to educate Thai designers who wish to enter this year’s competition, and to show off some of the past Thai garments staged at WOW in New Zealand.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 30 March 2005 at Four Seasons Hotel on Rajdamri Rd. (Rajdamri BTS Station) during 1300-1630 hours. Presentation will be in Thai. Vorachai, along with last year’s winners Seephum, Kritsada and Vasupar, will share their experiences on what they have learned to interested applicants. There will also be a mini showcase of “Peacock” and other Thai garments staged at WOW 2004 to offer an idea on what type of works WOW is looking for. Interested designers are eligible to enrol in the workshop at no costs to enter this international competition. Those who wish to register for the workshop are also requested to bring their sketch works along for initial feedback and useful comments from Ajarn Daeng of Taxila Fashion School and the previous WOW Thai designers.
“The works of Thai designers are second to none in the world,” says Chakrit Chaowanarojanaruji, founder of Taxila Fashion School. “Although Vorachai only won the 3rd prize in 2003, his work was so impressive that creator Suzie Moncrieff last year flew to Thailand for the pre-selection”.
Helen Clarke said designers from Thailand had brought a new dimension to WOW with their fascinating entries. She was also delighted to inspire creativity from a Thai designer such as Seephum on his works.
“WearableArt is a new arts genre, developed in New Zealand, but now benefiting from worldwide interest with Thai designers producing inspirational and winning works.” Helen added.
Get ready for your sketch and be the next to win at WOW 2005. For more information, registration at the workshop, and application for submitting the sketch works, please contact Tourism New Zealand on 02 6700114-5 ext 3 and 4.
Interested designers can also access more information about WOW 2005 at www.worldofwearableart.com
For media enquiries, please contact
Voranan Chakamanon
Suwarat Sajamark
PR consultant for Tourism New Zealand
Tel: 0 2978 6660
Fax: 0 2978 6661
Email: trupr@asianet.co.th
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.