A dress by a Thai design team made of the traditional checker-print sarong fabric commonly worn by Thai grandpas in rural areas has scooped up two awards in the 20th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles.
Unlike the two bizarre Thailand’s national costumes that have appeared in recent pageants, the “Tuk Tuk dress” and the “Wat Phra Kaew dress” (which was quickly pulled after complaints that it was disrespectful of Buddhism), Thai designers Pikul Choompol and Sarinpat Jundawong have produced something really fashionable. Their “Pha Khao Ma Dress” was well-received at the annual competition hosted at Long Beach Performing Arts Center last week.
The dress has won in two categories: Exceptional Designer and World Exceptional Costume.
This striking costume was modeled by Awitra “Pin” Jundawong, Sarinpat’s daughter.
According to Sirinpat, the inspiration for this dress was to show the world that Thai traditional cloth, or as we call it Pha Khao Ma, can be used to make an evening dress while representing Thai culture at the same time, Krob Krua Kao reported.
In addition, the designer revealed that it took her several months to decide on the material for this award-winning dress. She was also asked by many foreigners to make more Pha Khao Ma dresses for them.
After all, big-name designers seem to have been influenced by materials and objects in Thailand all along.
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