Thailand: Millions from the Mulberry Bush

One of the best advertisements for Thailand's soft, nubby silk cloth is the country's delicately beautiful Queen Sirikit, who has her gowns designed by Balmain. Thai silk is also used lavishly by other high-fashion designers such as Pauline Trigère, Anne Fogarty, Tina Leser and Adele Simpson. Lately the Thais have taken to producing their own dresses and sportswear, and have not only made Bangkok into a much-copied fashion center but also created a flourishing business.

Bangkok now has 156 silk shops, which export their goods to 60 countries, ring up a yearly...

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