July 15, 2008
by Bupha Ravirot

As Miss Thailand 2008 Gavintra Photijak won the Best National Costume Award at the Miss Universe contest in Vietnam, people are wondering who is behind the beautiful costume that Miss Thailand wore.

The answer surprised everyone when they heard that the designer is Sathapat Moonma, a 23-year-old student from the Khon Kaen University. But when talking to him in person, the reporter found he is quite extraordinary.

His motivation for this costume was taken from "Spirit of Fighting" costume which represents Thailand's unique Muay Thai. Maybe he drew some inspiration from Japanese manga, of which "Saint Seiya" is his favorite, and Harry Potter.

However, his success has to do with luck and more to do with practice. Sathapat won quite a few drawing competitions when at Udon Thani's Tesabal 2 Mukkhamontri School, a contest in the Northeast and the first prize, worth ¥30,000, in a drawing contest in Japan.

The young designer says that though he has no background in designing clothes and had to turn to the fashion house Noriko for help in making the beauty queen's costume, he says he's already been approached to create more high-fashion outfits. However, he says, though the future looks bright, graphic design still remains his first love.
 

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