The Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of the ‘Young Designer 2025’, seeking the "New Generation of
“Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear,” following the royal initiative of "Princess Sirivannavari," to support and
advance the wisdom of Thai textiles through contemporary and eco-conscious design.
“Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear,” following the royal initiative of "Princess Sirivannavari," to support and
advance the wisdom of Thai textiles through contemporary and eco-conscious design.
Bangkok, Thailand – The search for the next wave of talent in the Thai fashion industry has officially begun with the "Young Designer 2025" competition. Hosted by the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, the contest continues the royal initiative of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, " Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear." The project aims to provide a platform for new-generation designers to unleash their potential, transforming the soul of precious Thai textiles through a contemporary creative lens. The goal is to reimagine the nation's textile heritage into chic, wearable fashion items for everyday life that are in tune with modern, environmentally-conscious lifestyles.
Now in its third year, the Young Designer project is a key initiative of the Ministry of Interior. The Community Development Department has embraced the royal guidance of HRH Princess Sirivannavari, who possesses a genius for art and fashion design. The Princess has studied and graciously bestowed guidelines for the Ministry to carry forward, establishing the "Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear Project Working Group." This group acts as a mobile textile academy, traveling nationwide to develop entrepreneurs. Her Royal Highness personally chairs the committee and has granted textile patterns to artisans, challenging them to enhance their skills. The initiative includes competitions for patterns and design, enabling traditional artisans to modernize their fabric designs, dyeing techniques, and packaging to meet international standards, creating apparel suitable for all genders, ages, and occasions.
Now in its third year, the Young Designer project is a key initiative of the Ministry of Interior. The Community Development Department has embraced the royal guidance of HRH Princess Sirivannavari, who possesses a genius for art and fashion design. The Princess has studied and graciously bestowed guidelines for the Ministry to carry forward, establishing the "Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear Project Working Group." This group acts as a mobile textile academy, traveling nationwide to develop entrepreneurs. Her Royal Highness personally chairs the committee and has granted textile patterns to artisans, challenging them to enhance their skills. The initiative includes competitions for patterns and design, enabling traditional artisans to modernize their fabric designs, dyeing techniques, and packaging to meet international standards, creating apparel suitable for all genders, ages, and occasions.
This year, the "Young Designer 2025" project has once again created a sensation in the fashion world, attracting 735 applicants. Contestants include students from public and private educational institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, Srinakharinwirot University, Thammasat University, Ubon Ratchathani University, Rajabhat Universities, and other leading universities nationwide. This year's competition also brings together a formidable lineup of Thailand's foremost fashion gurus who will serve as mentors throughout the project. They include Art Arya - Araya Indra, fashion consultant, special lecturer, and stylist; Sirichai Daharanont, Thai textile expert and owner of the brand THEATRE; Bhubawit Kritpholnara, designer and owner of the brand ISSUE; and Thananrat Thanasedtakarn, Thai textile expert and consultant to the “Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear” project. Their involvement ensures that contestants will gain a deep understanding of Thai textile design and forge genuine connections between community weavers and the new generation of designers.
Mr. Ansit Samphantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who presided over the Young Designer 2025 press conference on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Magnolia Ballroom, 10th Floor, Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok, shared his vision for the project: "It is gratifying to see more new-face entrepreneurs making it to the final round each year. I want to encourage all 735 applicants. Although there can only be one winner, for those who do not win this time, the disappointment can be a great lesson for dedication and practice. Besides the knowledge gained from all the mentors, we also have the Thai Textiles Trend Book, graciously provided by HRH, as a guide. This stage is the starting point for Thailand to build its Young Designers. I must thank all parties involved, especially the country's leading design team. You are all part of the advisory working group for the Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear’ project that HRH has bestowed upon Thailand, to ensure that Thai people have careers, income, and can develop themselves sustainably on a global scale."
Art Arya or Araya Indra, fashion consultant, special lecturer, and stylist commented, “This year, we have pattern makers joining to provide guidance, so the selected designers will gain more knowledge and a better understanding of materials and tailoring. Those who pass the initial screening must attend the regional competition at the designated time, date, and province. They must prepare sketch designs that can be adjusted based on feedback, along with a mood board for their proposed outfit, and fabric or material samples for their presentation to the committee. Following the regional round, selected candidates will design and create their outfits according to expert advice for the national competition. The Community Development Department will provide a budget for design, tailoring, and models for each contestant. A 'Fitting Day' will be scheduled to allow contestants to perfect their creations before the final judging round on October 28, 2025, in Bangkok. This year, we expect to see contemporary outfits that align with the current 2025 trends, both domestically and internationally. The experts will provide advice on further development, and contestants must address the theme of 'fun' while reflecting their own unique charm, blending both 'Fashion' and 'Wearable' elements to score points from both the designer judges and the Ministry of Interior's Housewives Association."
The journey to find the Young Designer 2025 kicked off on August 21, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The initial selection will narrow down the 735 nationwide entries to 223. From there, 94 contestants will be chosen for the regional competitions: Northern Region: 20 contestants, August 30, 2025, at Melia Hotel, Chiang Mai; Southern Region: 25 contestants, September 10, 2025, at Laguna Hotel, Songkhla; Northeastern Region: 24 contestants, September 15, 2025, at Montathip Hall, Udon Thani; Central Region: 21 contestants, September 21, 2025, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi; and the Grand Finale will be held on October 28, 2025, at Suralai Hall, ICONSIAM, Bangkok.
As for the coveted prizes this year, the grand prize winner will receive 200,000 THB. The first runner-up will receive 100,000 THB, the second runner-up 75,000 THB, and five honorable mentions will each receive 40,000 THB. All 40 national finalists will receive a certificate of participation. Beyond the prize money and certificates, the grand prize winner will have the distinguished honor of an audience with HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya at the Silk Festival, scheduled for late 2025.
For more information and to follow updates on the Young Designer 2025 competition, please visit www.cdd.go.th and the Facebook page: ผ้าไทยใส่ให้สนุก.
#YoungDesigner2025 #ผ้าไทยใส่ให้สนุก
Mr. Ansit Samphantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who presided over the Young Designer 2025 press conference on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Magnolia Ballroom, 10th Floor, Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok, shared his vision for the project: "It is gratifying to see more new-face entrepreneurs making it to the final round each year. I want to encourage all 735 applicants. Although there can only be one winner, for those who do not win this time, the disappointment can be a great lesson for dedication and practice. Besides the knowledge gained from all the mentors, we also have the Thai Textiles Trend Book, graciously provided by HRH, as a guide. This stage is the starting point for Thailand to build its Young Designers. I must thank all parties involved, especially the country's leading design team. You are all part of the advisory working group for the Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear’ project that HRH has bestowed upon Thailand, to ensure that Thai people have careers, income, and can develop themselves sustainably on a global scale."
Art Arya or Araya Indra, fashion consultant, special lecturer, and stylist commented, “This year, we have pattern makers joining to provide guidance, so the selected designers will gain more knowledge and a better understanding of materials and tailoring. Those who pass the initial screening must attend the regional competition at the designated time, date, and province. They must prepare sketch designs that can be adjusted based on feedback, along with a mood board for their proposed outfit, and fabric or material samples for their presentation to the committee. Following the regional round, selected candidates will design and create their outfits according to expert advice for the national competition. The Community Development Department will provide a budget for design, tailoring, and models for each contestant. A 'Fitting Day' will be scheduled to allow contestants to perfect their creations before the final judging round on October 28, 2025, in Bangkok. This year, we expect to see contemporary outfits that align with the current 2025 trends, both domestically and internationally. The experts will provide advice on further development, and contestants must address the theme of 'fun' while reflecting their own unique charm, blending both 'Fashion' and 'Wearable' elements to score points from both the designer judges and the Ministry of Interior's Housewives Association."
The journey to find the Young Designer 2025 kicked off on August 21, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The initial selection will narrow down the 735 nationwide entries to 223. From there, 94 contestants will be chosen for the regional competitions: Northern Region: 20 contestants, August 30, 2025, at Melia Hotel, Chiang Mai; Southern Region: 25 contestants, September 10, 2025, at Laguna Hotel, Songkhla; Northeastern Region: 24 contestants, September 15, 2025, at Montathip Hall, Udon Thani; Central Region: 21 contestants, September 21, 2025, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi; and the Grand Finale will be held on October 28, 2025, at Suralai Hall, ICONSIAM, Bangkok.
As for the coveted prizes this year, the grand prize winner will receive 200,000 THB. The first runner-up will receive 100,000 THB, the second runner-up 75,000 THB, and five honorable mentions will each receive 40,000 THB. All 40 national finalists will receive a certificate of participation. Beyond the prize money and certificates, the grand prize winner will have the distinguished honor of an audience with HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya at the Silk Festival, scheduled for late 2025.
For more information and to follow updates on the Young Designer 2025 competition, please visit www.cdd.go.th and the Facebook page: ผ้าไทยใส่ให้สนุก.
#YoungDesigner2025 #ผ้าไทยใส่ให้สนุก
