C AMBODIA'S leading style gurus aired their lastest creations before an enthusiatic audience at the Alliance Francais on Aug 6, including the Co-Premier's chic wife HRH Princess Norodom Marie .

The parade aimed at promoting home-grown fashion and was organized by Sylvian Lim, a Khmer ex-pat who was a dancer at the Tonle Bassac Theater before leaving for France in 1973. After studying fashion under such names as Guy Laroche and Pierre Balmain he now has his own fashion company.

Taking six weeks to produce with the help of six Khmer dressmakers, the show was designed to promote individuality in Khmer fashion both by trying to help Khmers develop thier own style and by using only silk manufactured in Cambodia.

Using dancers from the Royal Ballet School to model the clothes the parade was well choreographed with the women showing both a very graceful yet casual air.

Costumes where very elegant and with an interesting cross of French and Khmer inspired designs. The shimmering silks where in bold hues of red, purples and greens, with the highlight of the parade being a golden flowing gown with a lace bodice.

Dresses where in full length and in keeping with the modest Khmer approach to fashion. The clothing modeled was both for business and evening wear. Male fashion concentrated on a casual business look.