Summer has arrived but it's not just the weather that's getting hot. Bangkok's catwalks are also heating up, with 10 brands set to present their spring-summer collections during Elle Fashion Week from March 21 to 23 at CentralWorld.

"Our aim is to upgrade the standard of Thai fashion designers and boost local business, so we have invited 10 brands to showcase their collections this year," says Kullawit Laosuksri, Elle's editor and festival director.

Veteran designer Somchai Kaewtong of Kai will start things off with some beautifully cut outfits in linen, lace and silk.

Senada Theory's colourful collection is inspired by Mediterranean culture while Zenithorial is presenting casual wear under the concept "Navy in the Garden".

AB-Normal focuses on a sporty military look, mixing a variety of natural textiles and 27 Friday's Chanachai Jareeyathana is unveiling a safari collection inspired by African culture.

Kloset Red Carpet presents "Sweet Desert", which designers' drew from their trips to Egypt and Morocco, while the Sukhahuta sibs from Sretsis play with colours and Thai beliefs

Elle will also present three new brands - Asava, Hook's by Parpakas, and Tipayaphong-poosanaphong.

Parpakas Angsusingha is, in fact, returning to the fashion week with Hook's, his newly launched brand, and will show his signature draped outfits cut from a variety of textiles in different shades.

Asava, the new baby of fashionista-turned-designer Polpat Asavaprapha and Maruwut Buranasipin, formerly of Senada Theory, offer a chic, contemporary collection inspired by the '60s and '70s.

Young designer Tipayaphong Poosanaphong is back with his own brand and Speakeasy, a collection that mixes haute couture with street wear. He will turn the catwalk into a hip bar where models hang out.

By Phatarawadee Phataranawik

Daily Xpress