Dior has named Thai stars Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat as its new brand ambassadors, marking a significant shift in the fashion industry as these drama actors challenge the dominance of K-pop idols at major fashion events. The duo, known collectively as LingOrm, gained popularity through their roles in the series “The Secret of Us” and “Only You.” This partnership highlights the rising influence of Thai entertainment in global fashion circles.
Both Lingling and Orm made their debuts at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, attending the Dior show. They returned this October for the brand’s inaugural womenswear presentation, where they outperformed their peers in terms of earned media value (EMV). According to a report by Karla Otto, Lefty, and CTZAR, the duo generated an EMV of $23.5 million, surpassing well-known K-pop figures. The report emphasized the duo’s extensive social media engagement, with Lingling and Orm posting a combined total of 50 times related to Dior, significantly driving their popularity.
Lingling, who was born in Hong Kong to a Chinese father and a Thai mother, is fluent in multiple languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Thai. She began her career in beauty pageants before being discovered by Channel 3, a prominent Thai television network. With 2.7 million followers on Instagram, she expressed her excitement about partnering with Dior, stating, “I truly believe in his genius and artistic vision,” referring to creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Orm, the daughter of acclaimed actress Koy Narumon Phongsuphap, entered the entertainment industry in 2019 and has since appeared in various dramas, including “Game of Outlaws.” With an Instagram following of 2.4 million, Orm has also launched her own fashion line called Keep Silent. She conveyed her gratitude for the ambassadorship, emphasizing her respect for Dior’s legacy. “I am delighted and so grateful to step into the new role as an ambassador with Dior,” she said.
The collaboration between Dior and these rising stars could signal a broader trend of fashion brands recognizing the influence of Southeast Asian celebrities. As Channel 3 announced that Lingling and Orm will star in a new series adapted from the novel “Wad Fun Wan Wiwa,” their visibility is likely to continue growing, further enhancing their impact on the fashion landscape.
This partnership not only showcases the talents of Lingling and Orm but also illustrates how the global fashion industry is evolving, embracing diverse influences beyond traditional boundaries. As they continue to rise in prominence, Lingling and Orm represent a new wave of fashion influencers, challenging established norms and reshaping the narrative around celebrity endorsements in the industry.