Later this month, Bangkok International Fashion Week lays siege to Siam Paragon. Red or white? Don't be silly

Given the foreign news coverage of Thailand, you'd think Bangkok International Fashion Week - coming up November 20 to 23 at Siam Paragon - would have everyone in camouflage gear.

But we're going with the "trouble-free Thailand" look on this one, and that means ignoring the credit crunch too.

On the other hand, Bangkok no longer wants to be just any old "fashion city", so Paragon vice-chairman Supaluk Umpujh wants to see a "fashionista mob".

Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery are putting on the Bt40-million show, featuring collections from 12 top local brands, a Malaysian designer and dozens of fashion students.

"When they see this event, foreigners will know this is a peaceful country," Supaluck says. "We have lots of celebrities wearing beautiful clothes. Without Fashion Week, foreigners wouldn't be shopping here anymore!"

Kriengsak Tantiphipop, who's in charge of marketing at Paragon, points out that the local rags trade has generated significant cash for Thailand, so it's important for the private sector to continue supporting it.

Also big at this year's show is the environment.

The theme is "Fashion for the Earth", so expect to see a lot more readily biodegradable materials.

"The fabrics used to make clothes should be produced naturally, so there's minimal harm to the environment," Kriengsak says.