The first ever fashion week in Laos launched with a gala reception welcoming international guests and showcasing the innovative creations of local designers March 5th.

Founder of Lao Fashion Week and the Young Designers Development Project Pany Saignavongs told Xinhua at the reception that it was an exciting time for the country's fashion and design industry.

"I feel very honored to be part of this historic event for the country," she said.

The fashion week aims to provide up-and-coming designers with access to an international style catwalk fashion festival. Lao designers will be able to exhibit their designs and brands in front of the international community.

Throughout the week, organizers hope to dazzle and build international awareness of Laos' unique fashion and textiles industry.

Designers are hoping to make an impression with the country's unique cultural and design identity while paving the way for an expansion into regional markets ahead of ASEAN Economic Community integration in 2015.

"I feel very excited because this is a very old idea. We've wanted to have a Lao Fashion Week for a long time," Chairman of Board Committee for Lao Fashion Week and Young Designers Development Project Michel Somsanouk Mixay told Xinhua.

"Laos has beautiful silk, beautiful textiles. We want people to see how beautiful our textiles are and how they can use them not only in Laos but internationally," he said.

Lao Fashion Week will also play host to the first Young Designers Development Project that aims to empower young Lao designers. An auction will be held during the festivities to help fund the project which will provide expertise and support to young talent.

"There are many Lao designers who are really talented but they have no opportunity to show their creations," Somsanouk said. "We want to promote young designers. They need help to develop themselves so we've created a fund to help develop them so they can learn here or abroad and make their own creations and have their own label."

The first Lao Fashion Week toured the capital showcasing the works of Lao designers with televised fashion shows.