Pared down, but still meaty

       Reacting to the anticipatory effects generated by last week's commencement of construction of the tent, Bangkok fashionistas who bump into one another every other night at some party or other started bidding adieu with the new catchphrase "Bye, see you at the tent next week!"
       Disregarding the daily ominous grey clouds that pose a threat of rain, Bangkok is getting into just the right mood for Elle Fashion Week (EFW). September and early October saw several collection and brand launches.
       The Bangkok Fashion Society premiered its latest collection by holding a pop-up show a few weeks ago. Celebrity leatherwear designer Tipanan Krairiksh welcomed a large gathering of journos and invited guests at the opening of her new signature shop at Siam Paragon last week. Munchu's, Vickteerut and its sister line Robshop, together with hip children's wear boutique Rhapsody launched their new offerings this past Sunday at Fallabella. Elle Fashion Week couldn't hope for a more dynamic warm-up.
       But what is in store for the fashion crowd on this year's EFW runway? First, the number of shows has dropped to 12, not including the two special promotional shows by CentralWorld and the one by the Department of Export Promotion showcasing its brands in its Designers' Room: Now. Fortunately, size does not matter when it comes to fashion (unless you're a model) and EFW, while losing a few big names such as Issue, Greyhound and Headquarter, has managed to lure back onto the runway some show magnets like Sretsis and Kloset Red Carpet as well as keeping event favourites ranging from Zenithorial and Disaya to Senada Theory on its schedule one more time.
       If there's one thing fashionistas will miss at this year's Elle Fashion Week,which kicks off today, it's surely the leading streetwear brands that offer menswear,notably Greyhound and Headquarter.However, a show-stopper like Zenthorial will be present to guarantee excitement with its latest collection celebrating the works of revered fashion lensman Amat Nimitpark, who has been working in the Thai fashion industry for over 25 years.Its display, together with the one that will be put on by 27 Friday, which is also going to present menswear to its huge,loyal fan base, should secure a full-house tent.
       Despite the fewer show days and a less-packed schedule, Elle Fashion Week will not be compromising on style diversity.The event welcomes regular masters from Kai, Pisit to Nagara, all of whom will be rolling out their presentations on the same day to ensure that fashion followers coming to keep track of their creative mastery get full benefit by attending. Last year's young designer Vatit Itthi will also be returning to the catwalk to demonstrate that couture and meticulous cutting do not belong to only the seasoned masters.The design duo will be adhering to the
       international fashion calendar by showing off their Spring/Summer collection emphasising texture and layering.
       Making its first appearance at Elle Fashion Week is Olanor, a brainchild of former Theatre's design assistant Thanes Boonprasan, who has already taken this new brand to several trade shows and fairs abroad.Scheduled to make the scene on the same day as Kai, Nagara and Pisit, the brand will have the opportunity to attract the attention of the same crowd of trendsetters who appreciate refinement and luxury.
       Now, now, the rest is girls talk. EFW has embraced all the darlings of young female fashionistas to the fold once again.Sretsis, Senada, Kloset Red Carpet, Disaya and Asava have promised to continue to be show magnets this year. Disaya will open the event with a collection that glistens even in an era of darkness called Celestial Warrior. Asava tackles the concept of changing lifestyles brought about by the economic downturn in its Wall Street Goddess collection. Sretsis goes back to its seemingly basic yet slightly eccentric Metamorphosis theme. The collection celebrates design as a process of transformation and will feature the season's must-haves, such as reversible dresses.Kloset Red Carpet puts on the grand finale to the four-day event with a collection inspired by Tangrams, the puzzle board game.
       EFW will also be featuring two special shows by CentralWorld that will see models strutting on the runway wearing the current season's items created by international brands like Mango, Castro and Topshop to offer fashionistas mix-and-match ideas.
       Elle Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009 at CentralWorld begins today until Sunday.