Thai fashion will take to the catwalk this summer at Wales’ first ever Thai Festival, which will also feature Thai food, dancing, boxing, fruit carving and ladyboy shows.
Traditional Thai dress is making a comeback in Thailand with lots of young, new designers producing clothes which are a mix of the old and the new and now fashion conscious visitors to Cardiff’s Coopers Field, on August 2 – 3, can experience the colourful patterned silks and intricate embroidery work that the country is famous for.
The costumes on display are the work of Saowanee Jones, who moved to Wales from Thailand over eleven years ago. Soawanee, described the festival as “a little taste of Thailand in Cardiff.”
Traditional fashion in Thailand varies in different parts of the country with women in Northern Thailand favouring long sleeved, high-collared blouses and sarongs which reflect the relaxed outlook of the north. In Bangkok the traditional style is much more formal with a highly tailored look coupled with bold accessories.
Comparing Welsh fashion with its Thai equivalent, Soawanee said: “There’s a big difference. It comes from the styles being developed in two different cultures, so even though the inspirations may be similar, the results are totally unique.”
Cabinet Member for Community Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: “The Wales Thai Festival looks like an exciting new addition to the summer’s diverse events calendar. I’m sure it will be a great opportunity for families to learn more about the country and its vibrant culture.”
The Wales Thai Festival is one of a number of events taking place across the city as part of the Cardiff Festival. More information on the festival is available at: www.cardifffestival.com.
