UNESCO and SACIT Join Hands with ICONCRAFT to Celebrate Thai Artisans and Thailand's Creative Cities Network
A landmark exhibition of Thai artisanship and contemporary design, inspired by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and featuring two debut clutches handcrafted from master-woven textiles by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – UNESCO and Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), a national agency promoting Thai craftsmanship, have joined hands with ICONCRAFT—Thailand's hub of creative innovation–to launch the campaign, 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.'
This nationwide initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Thai textile traditions from the seven UNESCO Creative Cities across Thailand. These heritage textiles, crafted by national master artisans, are reimagined into contemporary fashion pieces by seven of Thailand's top design houses, as well as the prestigious brand SIRIVANNAVARI, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.
ADVERTISEMENT
The event, attended by UNESCO Director – General Audrey Azoulay, on her first official visit to Thailand, launches a long-term collaboration to empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable innovation, and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative economy. It also reinforces Thailand's commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which includes more than 350 cities worldwide. Thailand's recognized Creative Cities–Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi–serve as the foundation for this initiative and their distinctive cultural assets inspire the designs on display.
Event Highlights
At the heart of this exhibition is a collaboration between seven top-tier Thai fashion brands and local artisan groups, with each designer creating two exclusive outfits inspired by a different Creative City—14 looks in total:
ATELIER PICHITA – Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the Tai Lue Weaving Group by Master Dokkaew from Chiang Rai
Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the from Chiang Rai THEATRE – Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group in Suphanburi
Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from in Suphanburi CHAI GOLD LABEL – Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by Rak Batik Group in Chiang Mai
Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by in Chiang Mai HOOK'S BY PRAPAKAS – Designs based on hand-painted batik from Ying Batik Paint Group in Phuket
Designs based on hand-painted batik from in Phuket WISHARAWISH – Designs using the intricately patterned Pha Lai Yang fabric by Phusa Pha Lai Yang in Phetchaburi
Designs using the intricately patterned fabric by in Phetchaburi PYVET – Designs crafted from Porcupine Pattern Pha Jok by Suntaree Thai Textile in Sukhothai
Designs crafted from by in Sukhothai JANESUDA – Designs showcasing brightly colored batik from Marionsiam in Bangkok
SIRIVANNAVARI x Chansoma Collaboration
Among the standout creations are two exclusive clutch bags, personally designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk–a textile symbolizing prosperity and harmony–these pieces were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, founder of the Chansoma brand in Surin Province. Embroidered with exquisite detail, each clutch is a one-of-a-kind creation, specially designed for this occasion.
ADVERTISEMENT
Royal Ensemble Exhibition
Another event highlight is the first-ever public exhibition in Thailand of eight Royal Thai Ensembles worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, curated by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The designs, by Tirapan Wannarat, founder of the Tirapan fashion house and Thailand's 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), will be on display from June 25–29 at ICONLUXE AVENUE, M Floor, ICONSIAM.
Featured ensembles include:
Thai Ruean Ton Dress – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace
– Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace Thai Chitralada Dress – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns
– A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns Thai Amarin Dress – A pink silk pha sin featuring golden rose vines, historically associated with the birthday of King Rama V
Event Schedule
The special collection will debut at Crafts Bangkok 2025, from 18–22 June 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before its formal launch on 25 June at ICONSIAM.
Alongside the textile showcase and royal attire exhibition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to purchase or bid on selected pieces. A special auction will include the limited-edition silk clutches by SIRIVANNAVARI. Proceeds will support a UNESCO initiative to expand access to creative education for young people in Thailand's Creative Cities.
Don't miss this chance to celebrate Thai cultural heritage, admire the craftsmanship of local masters, and witness how creativity continues to shape Thailand's future.
Hashtag: #ICONCRAFT #ICONCRAFTatICONSIAM #ICONSIAM #SIAMPIWAT #SACIT #UNESCO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
10 hours ago
- What's On
5 brilliant bars to visit in Dubai this weekend: June 20 to 22
Whether you're winding down the work week or starting your Saturday strong, Dubai's bar scene has something for every mood. From skyline views to slick new launches, these are five top spots to check out this weekend. Galaxy Bar, DIFC Still one of the slickest cocktail lounges in the city, Galaxy Bar pairs velvet opulence with an award-winning drinks list. The service is polished, the lighting low, and the cocktails balanced to perfection. Come for the buzz, stay for the signature Galaxy Martini. Location: Near Four Seasons DIFC Unit C-01, Ground Floor, Gate Village Building 9 Times: 9pm to 4am Contact: 050 513 5908 @galaxybardubai Attiko, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi A high-energy rooftop lounge with a Tokyo-meets-Mykonos vibe, Attiko nails the weekend formula: DJ sets, skyline views, and creative cocktails. Grab a table outside before sunset and soak it all in with a lychee martini in hand. Location: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Floor 31 – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud W – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St Times: Fridays, 6pm – 2am, Saturdays, 1 -4pm and Sundays, 6pm – 2am Contact: 04 350 9983, @attikodubai Alma Bar, DIFC One of DIFC's best kept hideaways, Alma is a moody, Latin-inspired speakeasy that's all about soulful vibes and sophisticated drinks. The interiors are chic, the playlist hits just right, and the mezcal-based cocktails are a must. Location: DIFC, Downtown Times: Fridays,4pm – 3am, Saturdays, 4–7 PM, 8 PM–3 AM Contact: 04 227 5569, @almabardubai Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Pullman Downtown If your weekend needs great sound as much as great drinks, this Japanese-style listening bar is the place. With vintage vinyl, curated playlists and proper sake pours, it's one of the city's coolest under-the-radar hangouts. Location: Pullman Dubai Downtown Times: 7pm to 3am Contact: 04 412 6666, @honeycombhifi Amelia Lounge, Downtown If glamour's on the agenda, book a table at Amelia. This lavish lounge-meets-restaurant delivers moody lighting, stylish crowd energy, and cocktails crafted with flair. It's the kind of place where one drink can easily turn into a full night out. Location: Downtown Dubai Times: 7pm – 3am Contact: 04 328 2805 | @amelialoungedubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
13 hours ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Gwyneth Paltrow, Karen Wazen, Hadise And Daniella Rahme Channel Italian Elegance At The Max Mara Resort 2026 Show in Naples
A love letter to Italian style unfolded at the grand La Reggia di Caserta It's not often that everyone gets a front row seat at a fashion show. But then, no other brand has ever unveiled their latest collection at the Baroque Reggia di Caserta palace. The majestic space – with a grand hallway so long that every A-lister, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Paris and Nicky Hilton, Alexa Chung and Lee Sung-Kyung plus regional names like actress Daniella Rahme, Turkish singer Hadise and Karen Wazen, got a prime perch alongside the world's press – saw models glide down marble staircases and stride confidently in a collection that was inspired by bella figura, channeling the elegance of vintage Italian film. The opulent setting, a former home of Queen Mara Carolina – Maria Antoinette's sister – is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and proved to be the perfect backdrop for an iconic catwalk show. 'The first thought I had was that this was the collection that would mark the opening of our 75 th year. I wanted to look at the history of the brand, and the history of Italian fashion which I think is quite unique and distinct from the fashion of any other country in the world. It is really telling that you talk about Italian fashion today as a thing. Italian fashion, Italian style – we don't do that with any other country,' Max Mara Creative Director Ian Griffiths explained exclusively to Bazaar Arabia. Cinematic, relaxed elegance was the order of the day. Crystal-studded gowns, high-waisted short-suits with relaxed blazers, sensual slips, bustiers and bralettes, teamed with chic but eminently wearable loafers and editorial over-the-knee boots elicited non-stop applause from the appreciative audience. 'I know that sometimes you think my inspiration is from the past but I live in the present day and I want everything we do to be completely contemporary,' Ian continued. 'The reason why I use images form the past so much is because I think that when something has happened, we can really understand it. Contemporary culture is harder to get your head around because it is still happening. When I look at the films from the '50s, I get a very strong and clear message that I can interpret and I can translate into something contemporary for today.' The designer cited celluloid classics like Riso Amaro – a movie about female workers in a rice field – and Napoli Milionaria as a driving force behind this collection that encapsulated the spirit of effortless Italian style. The label's quintessential Whitney tote – named when the New York Witney Museum of Art opened its doors – is celebrating its tenth anniversary and was seen in a variety of sizes and fabrics, with four new iterations taking to the catwalk. If 2025 was heralded the year of raffia, that sets to continue into the next Resort season too, as a key piece turned out to be a made of the weave, paired with a leather trim. Coats are the hallmark of every Max Mara collection and there were gasps as a high-neck, white belted number came into view. A short, pale pink textured option – one of very few colours seen in the usual neutral, muted Max Mara palette – was another modern silhouette that epitomised easy-to-wear, modern luxury. 'We are always quite muted but there were shots of pink and blue from the Marinella inspiration from the menswear ties – just a tiny little bit of colour,' mused Ian. 'I don't think Max Mara is ever going to break out into riotous colour, but watch this space. Never say never!' He was referring to the fact that the proudly Italian brand partnered with famous Neapolitan tie-maker E. Marinella to provide printed fabrics that were fashioned into silk pyjama sets, shirts and skirts, ensuring that the collection had a strong sense of place. This collection was joyful, playful, fun. 'I think that the way you feel about designing a collection shows in the final product itself; I always feel like it should never be a labour,' Ian told us. 'Clothes should be easy to wear. And if they are easy to wear, they should be easy to design. I am not saying that anyone can do it but there has to be a naturalness, a spontaneity about it. This image of the designer sitting over his desk and racking his or her brain for the newest idea simply never worried me. I always felt the important thing was to provide what is going to make women feel good.' And in that respect, the Max Mara Resort 2026 show undeniably delivered.
Arabian Post
18 hours ago
- Arabian Post
UNESCO and SACIT Join Hands with ICONCRAFT to Celebrate Thai Artisans and Thailand's Creative Cities Network
A landmark exhibition of Thai artisanship and contemporary design, inspired by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and featuring two debut clutches handcrafted from master-woven textiles by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – UNESCO and Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), a national agency promoting Thai craftsmanship, have joined hands with ICONCRAFT—Thailand's hub of creative innovation–to launch the campaign, 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.' This nationwide initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Thai textile traditions from the seven UNESCO Creative Cities across Thailand. These heritage textiles, crafted by national master artisans, are reimagined into contemporary fashion pieces by seven of Thailand's top design houses, as well as the prestigious brand SIRIVANNAVARI, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. ADVERTISEMENT The event, attended by UNESCO Director – General Audrey Azoulay, on her first official visit to Thailand, launches a long-term collaboration to empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable innovation, and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative economy. It also reinforces Thailand's commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which includes more than 350 cities worldwide. Thailand's recognized Creative Cities–Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi–serve as the foundation for this initiative and their distinctive cultural assets inspire the designs on display. Event Highlights At the heart of this exhibition is a collaboration between seven top-tier Thai fashion brands and local artisan groups, with each designer creating two exclusive outfits inspired by a different Creative City—14 looks in total: ATELIER PICHITA – Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the Tai Lue Weaving Group by Master Dokkaew from Chiang Rai Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the from Chiang Rai THEATRE – Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group in Suphanburi Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from in Suphanburi CHAI GOLD LABEL – Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by Rak Batik Group in Chiang Mai Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by in Chiang Mai HOOK'S BY PRAPAKAS – Designs based on hand-painted batik from Ying Batik Paint Group in Phuket Designs based on hand-painted batik from in Phuket WISHARAWISH – Designs using the intricately patterned Pha Lai Yang fabric by Phusa Pha Lai Yang in Phetchaburi Designs using the intricately patterned fabric by in Phetchaburi PYVET – Designs crafted from Porcupine Pattern Pha Jok by Suntaree Thai Textile in Sukhothai Designs crafted from by in Sukhothai JANESUDA – Designs showcasing brightly colored batik from Marionsiam in Bangkok SIRIVANNAVARI x Chansoma Collaboration Among the standout creations are two exclusive clutch bags, personally designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk–a textile symbolizing prosperity and harmony–these pieces were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, founder of the Chansoma brand in Surin Province. Embroidered with exquisite detail, each clutch is a one-of-a-kind creation, specially designed for this occasion. ADVERTISEMENT Royal Ensemble Exhibition Another event highlight is the first-ever public exhibition in Thailand of eight Royal Thai Ensembles worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, curated by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The designs, by Tirapan Wannarat, founder of the Tirapan fashion house and Thailand's 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), will be on display from June 25–29 at ICONLUXE AVENUE, M Floor, ICONSIAM. Featured ensembles include: Thai Ruean Ton Dress – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace Thai Chitralada Dress – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns Thai Amarin Dress – A pink silk pha sin featuring golden rose vines, historically associated with the birthday of King Rama V Event Schedule The special collection will debut at Crafts Bangkok 2025, from 18–22 June 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before its formal launch on 25 June at ICONSIAM. Alongside the textile showcase and royal attire exhibition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to purchase or bid on selected pieces. A special auction will include the limited-edition silk clutches by SIRIVANNAVARI. Proceeds will support a UNESCO initiative to expand access to creative education for young people in Thailand's Creative Cities. Don't miss this chance to celebrate Thai cultural heritage, admire the craftsmanship of local masters, and witness how creativity continues to shape Thailand's future. Hashtag: #ICONCRAFT #ICONCRAFTatICONSIAM #ICONSIAM #SIAMPIWAT #SACIT #UNESCO The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
