Latest news with #SirivannavariNariratanaRajakanya
Bangkok Post
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Unesco honours princess for textiles
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has honoured Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya for her outstanding contributions to the development and preservation of traditional Thai textiles. HRH Princess Sirivannavari attended the award ceremony at Unesco headquarters in Paris on Friday, where she received a commemorative medal from Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay. The medal recognises her commitment to preserving cultural heritage, promoting the fine arts, and supporting Thailand's cultural and creative industries. Following the ceremony, the princess shared a photo from the event on Instagram, captioned: "Very honoured to receive this medal from Unesco in recognition of my dedication to promoting fine arts and advancing Thailand's cultural heritage." Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also acknowledged the Princess's achievements in a post on X, stating: "HRH Princess Sirivannavari's unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Thai textiles on the global stage has gained international recognition. The Unesco award ceremony on July 18, 2025, highlights the global appreciation for her remarkable talent and efforts in sustaining Thai identity through creative cultural expression." Princess Sirivannavari has long served as an inspiration to Thailand's creative community, championing the revival and modernisation of traditional craftsmanship. One of her signature initiatives includes designing the Khor Chaofah Sirivannavari pattern, which she has entrusted to Thai weavers to reinterpret into modern garments and household items. Her work continues the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, whose royal aspirations to preserve Thai textiles have shaped national policy. Building on this legacy, HRH Princess Sirivannavari aims to integrate traditional Thai fabric into contemporary fashion in ways that resonate with both local and international audiences. Through her innovative designs and dedication to heritage preservation, HRH Princess Sirivannavari is playing a key role in elevating Thai culture on the world stage.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Anime music concert returns with resounding success
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO), under the patronage of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, once again proved its versatility with two exuberant sold-out performances celebrating beloved Japanese anime. Under the baton of maestro Naohisa Furusawa, these "Music Of Anime" concerts brought audiences of all ages to their feet in a celebration of iconic soundtracks and cultural phenomenon. Furusawa -- himself a native of Tokyo -- brought not only technical command but an infectious joy to the podium. The first half of the programme was dedicated entirely to Hisaishi's unforgettable music for Studio Ghibli films. Symphonic Variation "Merry-Go-Round" from Howl's Moving Castle was followed by the airy grace of My Neighbor Totoro: The Path Of Wind, where the woodwinds sparkled and the strings danced with childlike charm. Finally, the buoyant theme from Gake No Ue No Ponyo. After the intermission, the programme expanded to showcase a variety of other anime gems. The epic soundscape of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End set an introspective tone, and contrasted sharply with the adrenaline-pumping Fairy Tail Main Theme, which saw the percussion section deliver punchy rhythms with rock-like energy. A particular highlight was the Sword Art Online Suite, its shifting moods deftly handled by the orchestra's brass and strings, eliciting roars of approval from fans familiar with its narrative depth. The haunting Requiem Of Silence from Re:Zero and the aching beauty of A Silent Voice revealed the ensemble's ability to express emotional nuance and restraint, before a dazzling finale of Your Name and Madoka Magica sent the audience into rapturous applause. In particular, Your Name and Sparkle were especially rousing; the nostalgia for anime was brought to life by soloist Songsynth Sirikhunaratsmi. Adding to the endless excitement of the evening were multiple encores, which had the entire hall clapping along in rhythm, shining their phone lights and cheering with excitement. The atmosphere was more than a concert -- the orchestra's rich sound and dedication to the spirit of the anime genre made for an unforgettable experience. Given the overwhelming popularity of these performances, it seems anime will remain a recurring and beloved feature of the RBSO's future programming.
Bangkok Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
UNESCO, SACIT, Siam Piwat Spotlight Thai Craftsmanship
UNESCO has joined forces with the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or SACIT, and Siam Piwat Group to support local textile artisans from seven provinces as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This collaboration marks a milestone, as Siam Piwat, the founder of ICONCRAFT, has been selected as the only private partner by UNESCO and SACIT for 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.' This extraordinary campaign celebrates Thai artisans and elevates local wisdom from the seven Creative Cities — epicentres of cultural heritage and Thai craftsmanship — into contemporary works of art, with the SIRIVANNAVARI brand and 14 of Thailand's top designers. The three parties recently signed a Letter of Intent to support craftsmanship and the creative economy, empowering local communities and the next generation of Thai designers. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of two silk clutch bags designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Creative Director of the SIRIVANNAVARI brand. Under her vision, each bag features intricate embroidery crafted by skilled artisans from the SIRIVANNAVARI Atelier & Academy. The first clutch is a dazzling creation featuring a radiant golden peacock — the emblem of the SIRIVANNAVARI brand — with its fanned tail adorned with ears of rice, symbolising prosperity and abundance, and shimmering with beads and crystals. The second clutch draws inspiration from traditional woven textiles, with embroidery echoing the fabric's intricate patterns, enhancing their dimension and elegance. Both pieces are one-of-a-kind works of art — true masterpieces that embody exclusivity and refined craftsmanship. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk — a textile symbolising prosperity, unity, and harmony — the bags were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, grand master of Thai silk and founder of the 'CHANSOMA' brand in Surin Province. Each piece was specially designed to honour the spirit of Thai artisans and reflect the magnificence of Thai craftsmanship through a contemporary lens. The royally designed silk clutches were auctioned to raise funds for a youth-focused UNESCO programme that promotes education and creative development for young people in Thailand's seven Creative Cities: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi. Another highlight of the event is an exhibition featuring eight traditional Thai ensembles from the royal wardrobe of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. On loan from the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, this marks their debut public showcase in Thailand. Designed and tailored by Tirapan Wannarat, owner of the TIRAPAN couture house and Thailand's 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), the pieces — including Thai Ruen Ton, Thai Chitralada, and Thai Amarin styles — are worn for royal ceremonies and official occasions and are imbued with historical significance. Ms Soohyun Kim, Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, stated, 'This collaboration is about sustaining the knowledge systems and cultural identities that Thai craftsmanship represents. By linking local artisans with leading designers and supporting creative education for young people across Thailand's Creative Cities, we are investing in the future of intangible heritage and creativity. UNESCO is proud to work alongside SACIT and Siam Piwat to ensure that the next generation not only inherits these traditions, but also shapes them in new and inspiring ways.' Asst. Prof. Dr Anucha Thirakanont, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT), stated, 'As an organisation with a mission to preserve, innovate, and promote Thai craftsmanship in all dimensions, it is a great honour to be part of this collaborative initiative with UNESCO and Siam Piwat. This project serves as a model for integrating creativity with Thai wisdom, making traditional crafts more contemporary. In particular, the Thai artisans supported by SACIT are highly skilled professionals with great potential for further development. This initiative presents a dynamic opportunity for artisans and creatives to collaborate meaningfully, while also aligning with various dimensions of sustainability. It marks a new chapter that highlights the potential of Thai craftsmanship on the global stage.' Ms Usara Yongpiyakul, Retail Business Consultant, Siam Piwat Retail Holding Company Limited, stated, 'Forming a partnership with UNESCO and SACIT to promote Thai arts and crafts marks a significant step for Siam Piwat in advancing its mission to serve as an opportunity platform, with a focus on honouring Thai artisans and elevating local wisdom on the global stage. Siam Piwat has always been committed to growing our business while delivering shared value for people, communities, society, and the nation. To integrate our efforts to support Thai talent into our retail models, we established ICONCRAFT as a platform to create opportunities and a space of inspiration for over 1,000 local artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs from every region of Thailand — giving them a stage to showcase their capabilities and present Thai heritage in a creative way. We have been working actively with our public and private partners to build value and sustainability for the Thai handicraft industry, and to foster a strong network that proudly showcases the quintessential Thai identity on the global stage.' Through this collaboration, Siam Piwat aims to support cultural entrepreneurs and inspire Thailand's new generation of leaders in the cultural and creative sectors by building upon the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, with a focus on providing sustainable educational support for local youth. This partnership led to the creation of the 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities' campaign, which connects the local wisdom and Thai handicrafts of the seven Creative Cities with 14 designers. SACIT has long been a key partner of Siam Piwat and recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly support and enhance the capacities of Thai master artisans, craftsmen, their successors, producers, and designers, as part of a strategic initiative to elevate Thai craftsmanship and expand its recognition on the international stage. To create this exclusive collection, seven leading Thai designers were invited by ICONCRAFT to collaborate with seven designers from the Thai arts and crafts sector selected by SACIT. The designer pairings are as follows: ATELIER PICHITA working with Tai Lue woven fabric from the Kru Dok Kaew Tai Lue Weaving Group (Chiang Rai) THEATRE with Thai Song Dam fabric from the Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group (Suphanburi) CHAI GOLD LABEL with Lanna-style batik from Rak Batik (Chiang Mai) HOOK'S BY PRAPAKAS with hand-painted batik from the Ying Batik Paint Group (Phuket) WISHARAWISH with Lai Yang fabric from Phusa Pha Lai Yang (Phetchaburi) PYVET with Jok Khon Men fabric from Suntree Thai (Sukhothai) JANESUDA with colourful batik from Marionsiam (Bangkok) Each of the seven brands will design two exclusive garments using these local Thai textiles, resulting in 14 unique, one-of-a-kind ensembles.
Arabian Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
