Page 3 - TRENDBOOK AUTUMN WINTER 2023-2024

AUTUMN/WINTER 2023 โ€” TREND BOOK โ€ข 2
INTRODUCTION
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya
This Thai Textiles Trend Book Autumn/Winter
2023-2024 is the fourth edition in the series. With each
edition, the creative process behind it adapts to the unique to make the results more contemporary, for example,
circumstances of the time. However, there has been
a constant principle that I have always upheld: to elevate
the textile industry and nurture local craftsmanship
for the betterment of livelihoods. I firmly believe that
these changes will also contribute to the preservation
of our ancient Thai heritage for future generations.
The main concept of this book revolves around
highlighting the celebration of beauty that stems from
the intellectual heritage of diverse ethnic groups
coming together as the Thai nation. The effort to create
exquisite and meticulous handwoven fabric is not limited
to the central region alone. The exploration of this craft
can be traced from the hill tribes in the northern
highlands, who are known for their intricate embroidery
techniques, to the patchwork techniques of the north-
eastern and central regions, which have been adapted
from other countries in Southeast Asia since ancient times.
This includes patterns, as well as the unique craftsmanship
of the people in the southern region of Thailand, which
can be traced back to migrations from the Land of
the Dragon in the Far East, or countries in the Malay
Peninsula.
My presentation of the four colour palettes in
this seasonโ€™s collection has been inspired by various events of farmers. This sparked the idea of โ€œThe Great Explorer,โ€
in Thai and international history. Additionally, I have
incorporated elements that will occur in the near future
the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, which will be
held this year (2023) and next year respectively.
The intention is to promote and stimulate enthusiasm
and participation in sports activities at all levels. It also that evoke confidence in the wearer, reflecting their inner
pays tribute to the outstanding sporting achievements
of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great,
for instance, his victory in sailing at the Southeast Asian
Peninsula Gamesโ€”precursor to the SEA Gamesโ€”in 1967,
which has been a significant inspiration for me in the field
of sports. The concept of โ€œSport Heroโ€ is therefore
the first concept of this book that I have conveyed through
Thai textile works.
In addition to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
The Greatโ€™s sporting achievements, his royal initiatives
in the rural areas of Thailand have also inspired me. One of
his royal initiatives was the royal visit to Doi Pui, near
the Bhubing Palace in Chiang Mai Province, in 1969.
The purpose of this visit was to transform the way of life
of the hill tribe people who practised shifting cultivation,
and encourage them to engage in sustainable agriculture
by growing vegetables and fruit. This initiative became
the starting point of the Royal Project, which aimed
to provide sustainable livelihoods for a large number
which can be likened to a quest for discovering sustainable
ways of living.
The lifestyle patterns, fashion styles, and attitudes
of people towards society and the environment today serve
as inspiration for the โ€œSubtle Strengthโ€ concept. It
encompasses the power of clothing and garment silhouettes
perspectives for the world to see. Meanwhile, the trend
of โ€œLuminous Mindโ€ revolves around the philosophy
that emphasises the quest of humans in the modern era
for balance in life, both in the present and the future.
This book aims to celebrate the beauty of the
textile artsโ€”representing the diverse ethnic groups
scattered throughout the country, yet united under the
Thai flag. The techniques and weaving materials highlighted
in this book emphasise this diversity, ranging from the
woven fabrics of the Pwo Karen hill tribe, the quilted
textiles of the Hmong people, the embroidered garments
of the Yao community, or even mattress weaving or woolen
textiles. All of these elements align harmoniously with
the winter season and the way of life of the Thai people.