The fashion capitals of the world - Paris, Milan, London and New York - each have just one big fashion week per year.

However, Bangkok, striving to become a world player in the world of style, finds itself with two on a collision course.

Fashion aficionados are bound to be busy shuttling between Siam Paragon's Bt60-million Bangkok International Fashion Week and CentralWorld's Bt40-million Elle Fashion Week.

Siam Paragon's event opened yesterday and Elle starts tonight with a collection from veteran designer Somchai "Kai" Kaewthong.

Yet, most style gurus do not see this collision as a bad thing.

Leading organiser Sombathara "Tue" Teerasaroch is handling three shows at the two events, and though he's "exhausted", he says he is having fun.

Socialite Tassanee Khunapalin, however, regrets that she won't be able to see every show because of the overlapping schedules. "It's a pity," she says.

Scheduling problems

The timing problems are forcing viewers to pick sides. Zenithorial designer Adisak Rojsiriphan says the time of his show on Sunday is very close to that of Nagara at Bangkok International.

"It's a disadvantage to all - organisers, designers, audience, hair and makeup artists, and models. The news media too has to accommodate events."

Though model Chollada "Kay" Mekrati will be appearing in six shows on both runways, she says it's a perfect opportunity for aspiring supermodels to make their debuts.

However, not every fashionista is as excited or forgiving.

Former model and makeup artist Ornnapa Krissadee says, "I find it irritating when the organisers claim that they are doing this to promote local designers and push Bangkok as a fashion city. Fashion is a business, not a charity."

That explains why many brands are going where their retail bread is best buttered. Unfortunately, some are missing out altogether because of the hectic schedule.

Big sponsor Nokia has swapped allegiances and moved to Greyhound, which is showing at the Bangkok International. It used to sponsor young designers at the Elle event.

By Kupluthai Pungkanon

Daily Xpress

head to head

>> This is the third Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week and 10th Elle Fashion Week.

>> There are 11 labels participating at Siam Paragon's event and 10 at Elle.

>> L'Oreal Professionnel is responsible for hair-styling at both events.

>> Makeup at the Bangkok International Fashion Week is being done by L'Oreal Paris and by Bobbi Brown at Elle.

>> Thailand's newest design house,  Asava, is showing at both events - it opened Bangkok International Fashion Week yesterday and will take the catwalk at Elle on Saturday.

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