A record 37,000 visitors attended the event, representing an increase of more than 35% compared with last year’s event. Overseas visitors came from Spain, Italy, Germany, Iran, Korea, South Africa, UK, Denmark, UAE, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey and Laos with newcomer representation from Israel, Canada, Hungary and Bulgaria.
Organised as a ‘fair-in-fair’ concept this year, BIFF & BIL 2011 showcased over 1,100 booths, covering a total area of 30,000 sq m, and a total of 35 fashion shows featuring 1,200 outfits for the Spring/Summer 2012 collections from renowned ASEAN brands and designers as well as creations from young and aspiring Thai designers throughout the event. A special Royal Project Pavilion showcased the ‘Mystique’ collection created by the Institute of Business Economic Research and Development Foundation (IBERD) using traditional Thai cotton produced by weavers under The Support Arts & Crafts International Centre of Thailand along with creations designed by Vivienne Westwood in honour of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit.
