BANGKOK, Thailand – Recognized as a pioneering figure in sustainable fashion, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother championed eco-friendly, ethical fashion by preserving traditional handloom weaving and empowering rural artisans to create natural, biodegradable Thai silk. In 1976, Her Majesty founded the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupation and Related Techniques (SUPPORT Foundation), which has incorporated local wisdom of traditional silk and cotton weaving to generate income for local villagers. The Foundation focuses on natural dyeing techniques and relies on natural fibers.
Drawing upon the Queen Mother’s legacy for inspiration, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya envisions sustainability that is interwoven with traditional Thai craftsmanship and local wisdom. Her Royal Highness spearheads the “Sustainable Fashion” initiative, with an emphasis on the use of natural pigments, fibers, and low-carbon production techniques. This initiative is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, through environmentally conscious practices in fabric and handicraft production.
Her Royal Highness believes that sustainable fashion can empower local weavers and entrepreneurs to lead sustainable lives and foster economic stability in their homeland, in accordance with the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, advocated and developed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX). (PRD)
