A pared down but still fabulous Elle Fashion Week

Elle Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009 hits the Central World runway on October 15, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the local media coverage. 

Unlike past years, event organizers have been slow to release the details of the 2009 event, even deciding to skip its usual pricey press conference/fashion show preview. As Bangkok Post fashion writer Samila Wenin says, “you don’t need a degree in economics to figure out that calling off the press conference is a recession-induced decision.” Add to this, there are noticeably fewer designers showing in this year's event.

But to be fair, the designers lucky enough to participate in this year's event don’t need the fanfare as their fashions are insanely alluring.

Sure, comparing Elle Fashion Week to events like New York, Paris or Milan’s fashion weeks would be absurd. Thai fashion has only started to really come into its own in the last five years, and the event has become the ultimate showcase of some of the country’s top designers -- some of who are finding fans overseas. We’re particularly excited to check out the latest from Nagara, Vatit Itthi and Sretsis this week. 

The event opens Thursday night at Central World (BTS: Chidlom) with an 8pm show by Disaya, followed by 27 Friday at 9pm. Friday its Sretsis at 6pm, Vatit Itthi at 8pm and Senada at 9pm. The full schedule is available on Elle.co.th.

For a closer look at some of the designers in this year’s Elle Fashion Week lineup, check out our recent article: 5 top Bangkok fashion brands.  On Friday we’ll be featuring a Q&A with Nagara, as well as a sneak peak of his latest collection.