Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

STYLE Bangkok is Asia’s premier lifestyle fair, taking place from the 17 th to the 21 st April, 2019. The show is designed as a three-in- one design trade fair, showing the newest developments in Thai housewares and furniture design, as well as fashion, leather and gifts. The most recent show was held in October, with great success. At the heart of the 2019 iteration of the show is what the organisers have termed “crenovation” – a place where creation meets innovation and origin. The show is designed to highlight lifestyle products that are uniquely Thai, namely those with locally sourced materials made by local craftsmen with designs that embody creativity. The show also incorporates the work of international creatives and paves the way for the lifestyle industries in Thailand. Thailand Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce (DITP) first launched STYLE Bangkok in 2017, effectively providing a 47,000 square metre forum for more than 1,000 brands and fostering an alliance between more than 24 organisations. In a rapidly globalising consumer climate, this rise in exposure, with more than 2,000 booths worth of exhibitors, is all part of an overarching initiative to establish Thailand’s “local wisdom” in the design sphere as world- class. One of STYLE Bangkok’s most integral strategies is its emphasis on inclusivity. STYLE Bangkok’s Niche showcase boasts products specifically catering to active seniors, mothers and children, men and even pets, while also offering experiential opportunities at the event. The world is growing more and more interconnected. Trends in one product category are able to easily influence others. STYLE Bangkok is a major event in Asia offering a full spectrum of lifestyle ideas, allowing products to influence each other and facilitating the transmission of ideas. With this level of interconnectedness, Thai design may prove to be one of the most interesting emerging scenes in South East Asia. The Department of International Trade Promotion was established under the Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, to assist in building the competitiveness of Thai manufacturers and exporters to fulfil their potentials. With more challenges and opportunities to face in the new world economy, the DITP aims to provide fast, reliable and efficient services. STYLE Bangkok will be held from April 17 th -21 st at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre in the Thai capital. For those heading overseas this April, we give an early look at STYLE Bangkok Creation meets innovation IN BRIEF Show STYLE Bangkok Organiser Department of International Trade Promotion Where BITEC Bangkok When 17 th -19 th Trade, 20 th -21 st Public Website stylebangkokfair.com Twitter @stylebkkfair For more information visit stylebangkokfair.com giftfocus 65 STYLE Bangkok