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Australia Day a fashionable celebration in Thailand
Boutique Australian fashion labels were showcased at the recent Australia Day function hosted by the Australian Embassy on 4 February 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan.
“Australia’s fashion labels have formed an increasing number of partnerships in Thailand and we aim to encourage greater appreciation of Australian fashion through the profile of our Australia Day reception” said H.E. William Paterson, Australian Ambassador to Thailand.
The three high-end labels; Natasha, Manning Cartel and Bettina Liano are imported by Polita, a local fashion outlet owned by famous Thai-Australian model, Paula Taylor.
“Both Paula and I grew up in Australia so we have always been influenced by Australian lifestyle and fashion” say Dusita Chumsri, Managing Director of Polita. “We wanted to bring the uniqueness of high-end Australian fashion to Thailand because it portrays the culture, lifestyle and mentality of Australia”.
Australian Senior Trade Commissioner to Thailand, Ms Jodie McAlister added that the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA), implemented since 1 January 2005, has ensured Australian-made apparel and fashion items are more attractive for Thai buyers when it comes to choosing an Australian fashion brand over competing brands from Europe or North America.
“Many Thais have, for some time, enjoyed the availability of Australian beach and casual wear. Now with higher enthusiasm for Australian boutique ranges, together with reduced tariffs under TAFTA, Thailand offers even greater market potential for high-end Australian fashion houses,” said Jodie.
Australia exported A$1 million worth of apparel to Thailand last financial year––a figure that is expected to grow strongly in 2008 when Australian-made fashion exports benefit further from reducing import duties under TAFTA (from 60 per cent to 12.5 per cent).
The fashion showcase was sponsored by Australian skincare and cosmetics ranges - Bloom, Jurlique and Natures Organics. All products are Australian and available in Thailand.
For more information on Australia’s export capabilities, or to find an Australian supplier, please call Austrade Thailand on (+66) 2344 6324.