Bangkok International Fashion Fair & International Leather Fair 2012 or BIFF&BIL 2012, organized
by Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce and 15 leather/fashion groups, has been a big success. Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Poom Sarapol presided over the opening ceremony of this event, which ran from June 27 to July 1, 2012 at the Challenger 2 IMPACT Muang Thong Thani (Trade days from June 27 to June 29 between 10am and 6pm and public days from June 30 to July 1 between 10am and 9pm).
The success of BIFF&BIL 2012 comes from two main parts:
1. The overwhelming participation by fashion/leather entrepreneurs from across the world. In all, 429 firms operated 741 booths at the event. They came from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United States, China, Pakistan, Taiwan and more. BIFF&BIL 2012 featured more than 1,000 leading Thai and foreign brands from the leather and fashion industries. The range of products/services as well as exhibitions covered the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. Special highlights at the BIFF&BIL 2012 are: Japan Connect or an exhibition of textiles and ready-to-wear garments under the JTC project. Japanese entrepreneurs showcased their products via more than 10 booths here; Fashion Network was a zone for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who are pursuing the dream of building their own brand. Thai and foreign designers, all of whom are based in the United States, have served as their advisors. This year, nine brands were included this zone because they were the results of Fashion Network project; Thai Tex Trend (T3) highlighted the huge potential of Thai textile manufacturers who have been working closely with world-class Italian experts; Designers’ Room is a project to bring Thai fashion talents to the global market. At the BIFF&BIL 2012, this project presented products from 39 brands. Designed by emerging prominent Thai designers, these brands include Art Zoba, DUSK TILL DAWN, PATINYA, MADAME FLAMINGO, MAIBE, Maison D, Paul B, Rotsaniyom, Suger Head BKK, The Urban Apparel (Original), Wonder Anatomie, etc; Trend Forum featured innovations and trends for textiles, garments, leatherwear and shoes; Bangkok Society presented the latest collections by leading Thai designers. Workshop displayed products from improved design techniques and creative sewing with aim to encourage Thai entrepreneurs to respond better to the global trends. International Zone offered fashion/leather products from Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, China, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan; andFahion Shows by Thailand’s leading brands. There were a total of 21 fashion shows at the BIFF&BIL 2012. Their innovative designs placed much emphasis on eco-products and won huge interest.
2) Warm Response from Visitors: A total of 32,646 people visited the BIFF&BIL 2012. They included fashion/leather entrepreneurs, distributors, fashion designers, stylists, media, and members of the general public from Thailand and beyond. When it came to the number of foreign visitors, Japan ranked first. It was followed by China, Malaysia, the United States, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong respectively.
Bangkok International Fashion Fair & International Leather Fair : BIFF&BIL is an annual event. Held jointly by the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion and 15 leather/fashion groups, it aims to provide a business-matching forum for Thai entrepreneurs as well as to bolster their potential. The Bangkok International Fashion Fair & International Leather Fair 2013 or BIFF&BIL 2013 will take place at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani too.
