Styles for Muslims have promise

       The lucrative Islamic clothing industry is being given a new push since few local operators understand the market environment, said Veerapol Srilert, director of the Bureau of Industrial Sector Development.
       The lack of financial support is also one of the main obstacles to promoting the industry.
       "A fashion show of Islamic clothing designed by fashion students is the only activity this year to promote industry awareness as the bureau faces budget constraints," said Mr Veeraphol.
       The show to exhibit fashionable clothing that conforms to Islamic rules will be held on Oct 12 at the Zen Event Gallery at CentralWorld. Up to 48 costumes for various functions designed by students of Kasem Bundit University,Srinakharinwirot University and Chanapatana International Design Institute will be on display.
       Realising local garment operators' potential to serve this much-overlooked market, Mr Veerapol said the value could also be added to other industries such as fabric and accessories.
       The bureau is hopeful of implementing more activities next year to promote the industry."With our 7-million-baht budget allocated for next year, the bureau is planning programmes to encourage and help local garment operators serving other export markets to tap into the Islamic clothing market."
       It will also build a network of Islamic clothing producers, as well as a designer network, as the basis to solidify the segment's establishment. The bureau plans to also finance research to establish fashion preferences and build a bodystructure database to help local producers better serve each distinctive market.
       Boon-arak Raksawong, a Srinakarinwirot University fashion design lecturer,said his experience in global trade shows allowed him to learn the likes of Arabic customers, who have high purchasing power in the Islamic clothing market.
       "They like fashion, especially the semicouture style where small embroidery work is applied to everyday wear. The style is very popular and Thailand has the strength [to produce it]," said Mr Boon-arak.
       "Most producers tend to overlook this market because they misunderstand Islamic clothing restrictions. But the market is well worth studying and trying."
       Mr Boon-arak suggested that government support plays an important role in helping producers reach this market.To date, the assistance has been limited,inconsistent and poorly managed.
       "If the government really wants to promote the Islamic clothing industry,a lot more work and budget are needed and they have to be organised more professionally," he said.