While Saranya Srinuan was dressing for her 23rd birthday last month, her best friend couldn't help admiring her long, straight hair and model's figure, accentuated by stylish black pants and a white blouse. "You remind me of Samantha from `Sex and the City,' " Jan Julsuwan remembers telling her. Saranya just laughed.

Saranya always looked impossibly chic to her friends. She had modeled a little before taking a job as a bond trader after college, and confided that she wanted to work in the fashion industry some day. She loved to shop at Banana Republic and French Connection. And this week, she had planned to attend a runway show.

But Saranya's family and friends counted on more than her good taste.

"I could share really, really personal stuff with her," said Jan, who grew up with her in the same building. "We just understood each other."