Bangkok: UNESCO, SACIT, and ICONCRAFT have come together to honor Thai craftsmen through a partnership with the SIRIVANNAVARI brand, showcasing contemporary handicrafts. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya has played a key role in promoting Thai textile handicrafts on the global stage with the 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities' initiative.
According to Thai News Agency, Her Royal Highness has been instrumental in spreading the value of Thai fabric internationally. She has launched projects like the 'Thai Fabric Fun to Wear' initiative, aiming to make Thai fabric a fashionable choice for everyday wear. This effort also seeks to support job creation and income for weavers and craftsmen, encouraging the new generation to appreciate and utilize Thai fabric in creative ways.
Her Royal Highness's royal initiative towards sustainable fashion has gained international recognition, with the United Nations in Thailand honoring her for raising sustainability awareness. In collaboration with UNESCO, SACIT, and Siam Piwat, she aims to promote Thai handicrafts and craftsmen from seven provinces within the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network'.
The campaign 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities' seeks to elevate local wisdom from seven creative provinces, honoring Thai artisans who contribute to contemporary handicrafts. This collaboration includes 14 outstanding Thai designers who are developing new designs under the SIRIVANNAVARI brand.
Key activities include the design of two exclusive clutch bags by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand, featuring intricate embroidery by SIRIVANNAVARI Atelier and Academy craftsmen. These bags, showcasing the golden peacock symbol of the brand, will be auctioned to support the UNESCO Youth Program, aiding education and creativity in seven Thai provinces recognized as creative cities.
An exhibition of eight royal Thai dresses from Her Royal Highness's collection at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is also part of the event. This marks the first time these dresses, designed by Thiraphan Wannarat, are displayed in Thailand, symbolizing the historical significance of royal attire.
Additionally, a Letter of Intent was signed between UNESCO, SACIT, and Siam Piwat to support cultural entrepreneurship and inspire Thai youth to become leaders in creative cultural fields. The collaboration aims to extend the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network' project, supporting sustainable education for young people.
This initiative connects local wisdom from Thailand's creative provinces with Thai handicrafts, featuring designs from 14 leading designers. Each designer crafted exclusive outfits using local fabrics, revealed at Crafts Bangkok 2025. SACIT and Siam Piwat aim to elevate Thai local wisdom and promote cultural tourism through this partnership.
Visitors can experience the creativity of Thai craftsmen and view the royal costume exhibition at ICONLUXE AVENUE, ICONSIAM, until June 29, 2025. More details are available on Facebook: SIAM PIWAT and ICONCRAFT.