WIPO appoints Thai princess as IP Ambassador for Fashion and Design
03 July 2026
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) appointed Thailand’s Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, a world-renowned fashion designer, as its first IP Ambassador for Fashion and Design on May 28, 2026.
The appointment was held during a ceremony at WIPO’s headquarters in Geneva attended by WIPO director general Daren Tang.
The princess was chosen for the historic role because of her contributions to creativity and innovation in the fashion industry as well as her utilization of IP assets to provide assistance to weavers and designers in Thailand.
Rajakanya founded the luxury brand SIRIVANNAVARI of which she is the creative director. Her designs and collections have graced the fashion runways of Paris and Milan. Among her well-known designs are the Peacock motif and the SR monogram.
Her efforts to protect her works have resulted in 541 registered IP assets in 34 countries. These include 256 designs, 275 copyrights and several trademarks covering leather goods, jewelry and home décor.
Rajakanya has likewise spearheaded projects with the help of Thai weavers all over the country. The projects blend sustainable fashion and modernization of local fabrics with Thailand’s traditional and cultural preservation, thus pushing Thai fashion into greater visibility in the global market. Thanks to these initiatives, more than 800,000 families from Thailand’s 77 provinces are now living better and more comfortable lives. In terms of economic value, the projects have generated over B200 million (US$6 million).
As WIPO IP Ambassador for Fashion and Design, Rajakanya will work closely with WIPO to set an example to artists and creators on how to protect their IPs and teach younger players in the fashion and design circle about proper use of IP tools.
Darani Vachanavuttivong | co-managing partner and managing director @ Tilleke & Gibbins, Bangkok
According to Darani Vachanavuttivong, co-managing partner and managing director at Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok, the appointment carries symbolic and practical importance for both Thailand’s IP framework and its fashion and design industry.
“Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya will help elevate public awareness of IP protection and showcase Thailand’s strong commitment to safeguarding IP rights. As WIPO Ambassador, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya will bring visibility to the importance of IP as a driver of innovation, creativity and economic growth. Her advocacy can encourage greater respect for IP rights across sectors, support alignment with international standards and reinforce Thailand’s positioning as a responsible and competitive player in the global knowledge economy,” said Vachanavuttivong.
She added that Rajakanya’s appointment as WIPO IP Ambassador for Fashion and Design is also a poignant tribute to the legacy of her grandfather, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, inventor and first recipient of the prestigious WIPO Global Leader Award in 2009. During his reign, Adulyadej was a steadfast supporter of IP rights protection.
- Espie Angelica A. de Leon
