The 26-year-old model Kouy Chandanich on the catwalk in Cambodia. Photograph supplied

A small step for a woman, a giant step for the modelling industry in Cambodia.

One of Cambodia’s top models, Kouy Chandanich, will take off for Australia to take part in the International Fashion Week.

To help her raise the funds for her trip, Sapors Modelling Agency will host a cocktail party tomorrow at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Kouy Chandanich, a model with Sapors Modeling Agency, will represent Cambodia alongside hundreds of other international models in Brisbane, Australia, in early September.

After a tough consideration of International Fashion Week committees, she was proud to be selected to take part as a cat-walk model. Her participation is judged to be a sign that the Kingdom’s modelling industry is gaining international recognition.

The 26-year old model said: “Being chosen to walk in International Fashion Week is a golden chance not only for me, but the rest of Cambodia.

“I hope I can make our country’s name internationally heard, especially in the modelling field.”

To support her journey all the way to International Fashion Week, Sapors Modelling Agency will launch a Cocktail event tomorrow at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

The aim is to raise funds to cover the expenses of Chandanich’s travel and look for sponsors. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the cause.

The cocktail event will feature a fashion parade with designers that showcases an exciting mix of collections including designs by the 1st Floor.

Sapor Rendell, Manager of Sapors Modelling Agency, said that the event offers an insight into the future of the fashion industry, and will help support an historic achievement by a Cambodian model.

“From my 16 year involving in modeling industry, this event offers an open door for Cambodia to the world of fashion and modeling.

“The sponsorship is priceless for Kouy Chandanich and Cambodia as the whole,” Sapor said.

Any expressions of interest, requests for sponsorship proposals and ticket sales can be emailed directly to [email protected]

To contact the reporter on this story: Lim Meng Y at [email protected]