Bangkok--27 Aug--KITH & KIN BIFF&BIL 2007 kicks off with sensational fashion shows by the country’s top designers under the concept “Selected Fashion in Bangkok”. Visitors and exhibitors are parading to place Thailand at the top spot for world’s fashion and leather industries. Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2007 once again flaunt Thailand as the buyers’ first choice for quality fashion and leather manufacturing. Department of Export Promotion (DEP) revealed the number of visitors at the opening of the fair has increased by 18.4 percent. Among the top five’s visiting countries are Japan, who occupied August 22’s event by 73 percent, following by Malaysia, Singapore, China and Australia accordingly. BIFF&BIL 2007 also proves to be ASEAN’s biggest fashion and leather fair. The number of visitors from ASEAN countries has increased from the same time last year by 22 percent, “Thailand has great potential in manufacturing fashion products, especially in our creative design. When our competitors are focusing on mass production, we have to differentiate ourselves by building uniqueness for our products. BIFF&BIL organizer is aware of the fact, we therefore aim to strengthen ASEAN’s industrial sector by drawing as many visitors from the neighboring countries as possible,” said DEP’s Director-general Rachane Potjanasuntorn The event takes off splendidly with Bangkok Best, fashion show by Bangkok Fashion Society’s Greyhound, Issue, Muse by good mixer, Kloset, Sretsis, Disaya (Boudoir), Good Mixer, Munchu’s and Senada. The show impressed the audience with the designers’ latest and trendiest designs displayed by Thailand’s top models i.e. Sonia Cooling, Yo Yossawadee, Alien and Mousy etc. The spectacular continues with Young Designers’ Room, the afternoon fashion show featuring the creations of the country’s most promising new designers who will present their designs at Paris’s Pret-a-Porter. The highlight of the fair’s second day includes Tri Urban, acrylic fiber fashion show by Thai Acrylic Fibre and Raffles Design Institute, BIFF&BIL Selection fashion show from the collection of Brand Preference’s designers such as Hewgo, Ziroco, Kanita and Siriganya that will underscore the diversity of Thai fashion products, successful brand-building as well as local producers’ ability to create designs that suit international demand. Last year, the products in this event attract many buyers from Europe and America. Thailand Fashion Designers Award features fashion creations by 10 finalists who have been selected from participants in the nationwide contest. The winner will also be announced at the show. Activities on August 24 include Top of ASEAN, outstanding fashion show from Thai and Malaysian’s avant-garde designers such as Gallo, Canven Ong Couture, Pusita, Classic Model and Phaotong and the last show of the fair features Icon of Bangkok, haute couture fashion show designed by legendary fashion designer Somchai “Kai” Kaewthong.BIF&BIL 2007 also features mini fashion shows from A-list fashion retailers in lingerie, handbags, footwear and children’s wear collections on August 23-24. BIFF&BIL 2007 is a not-to-miss event of the year with participation of more than 500 local and international companies on 22,000 sq.m. The fair expects over 33,000 visitors from 60 countries worldwide. BIFF&BIL 2007 is held on August 22-24, 2007 for trade and August 25- 26, 2007 for public at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC), Bangna. For more information, please visit www.thaitradefair.com/fairin/biff07 Exhibitors’ Viewpoint “The unification among local designers is stressed at this year’s BIFF&BIL. I am so glad to see that Thai designers are stronger than ever. Also, originality is obviously seen in this year’s design — from students to big name designers. I hope that it will give clearer brand identity to local designs as well as the sale volume,” Chanita Preechawitayakul, Design Director of Senada Theory “Our products this year are more colorful since we are targeting the younger crowd. Also, we are cooperating with ICAO in creating bags and suitcases that fit the new international aviation regulations. We can proudly say that Bonny’s products are up to the world standard, “ Bandhit Nilchiansakul, Marketing Director of Bonny International Co., Ltd. “I have been to many trade shows in Asia before such as in Hong Kong and India, and now I want to do some business with Thai manufacturers and exporters. I am interested in buying clothes, handcrafts such as handbags and shoes for women. I think it would be popular in Mexico. Since Thailand has so many interesting things that we can market,” Mr. Pablo Rodriguez Macouzet, Purchasing Manager of Senor Frog’s Department Store, Mexico. “Last year, I was looking for something fresh and exciting that can be sold in the competitive market of San Francisco. I knew I could find what I was looking for in Bangkok. I think the fashion here is the best. I came to buy many items for my stores at last year’s BIFF&BIL and they were just phenomenal. I am very happy with their quality,” Ms. Doretta Boehm, Owner of Bettina (women boutique), California, U.S.A. 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