Santiburi Koh Samui, the luxurious resort on Koh Samui’s stunning north shore, will promote Thai skill and craftsmanship with a dazzling fashion show and dining event that underlines the country’s contemporary culture and style, while also helping to inspire a new generation of designers.
The “Santiburi Fashion Mania:In Vogue Dining” event is co-hosted by celebrated Thai fashion designer Kai Ukas, who empowers women in underprivileged communities by using locally woven textiles. The featured fashion is tailored from traditional fabrics of Narathiwat, in southern Thailand, and sponsored by Khun Ekkarat Leesen- the region’s Governor. Further key sponsors are Daikin, Red Bull and Siam Winery, with Red Bull usually only sponsoring global events but now supporting a local Thai event for the first time.
“We are delighted to support Santiburi’s Fashion Mania event, which will help to reveal the rich textile industry of Narathiwat province and southern Thailand. The cultural marriage between our region’s unique textiles and Kai Ukas’ modern designs enriches and adds value to our cultural traditions. This is an excellent opportunity to support the local economy, promote our region’s talent and display our heritage on a global stage,” said Khun Ekkarat Leesen, Governor of Narathiwat.
Kai Ukas is an iconic figure in the Asian fashion scene; not only is she a highly skilled and innovative designer, whose creations have adorned catwalks around the globe, she is also a World Peace Ambassador. In 2018, she became the first female designer to receive an Amity Honour at the World Peace Awards in Sweden.
On 4th September 2019, Kai Ukas will display her pioneering designs in a fashion show featuring several leading Asian models. They include Pili Opal, who has modelled with David Beckham, Dream Chanokporn, MaMhee, Cartoon, Tewika, Rain Chutikan and Maleeya Hall, illustrious actors and supermodels who have featured in top glossy magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
The models will be joined on the catwalk by young locals and multi-national staff from Santiburi and other luxury resorts in Koh Samui (Banyan Tree, Belmond Napasai, Conrad, Four Seasons, InterContinental, Six Senses, Tongsai Bay), who will have an opportunity to become models for the night. In this way, the event will foster a spirit of collaboration between the island’s resorts, while giving new stars the chance to shine.
Fashion Mania will also showcase Koh Samui as a stylish destination whilst highlighting Thai talent and workmanship, including design, weaving and modelling, in an effort to inspire a new generation of Thai talent. It will help to connect people and cultures, spreading messages of peace, harmony and diversity.
“At Santiburi, we embrace the principles of social enterprise and cultural exchange and take pride in preserving the environment and protecting our communities. Kai Ukas is a perfect match for us; she is an artist who understands her audience, connects civilizations and encourages global thinking by mixing textiles and styles from all around the world. We are proud to call her our partner and look forward to welcoming many guests to the Fashion Mania event,” said Sabine G. Lamberts, the resort’s General Manager.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to exhibit the local textures, styles and cultures of southern Thailand in such a beautiful and high-profile setting. I firmly believe in the importance of empowering people and connecting communities. Design is about more than just creating clothes – it is about culture, heritage and identity. Through this event, I hope to help strengthen the Thai fashion industry and enhance the communities that depend upon it,” Kai Ukas commented.
