La mode en majesté

The Musée des Arts décoratifs presents a new exhibition on the evolution of dress at the Thai court, featuring pieces from the royal collection.

Bringing together more than a hundred exceptional outfits and accessories, the exhibition presents the royal wardrobes, highlighting the eight formats of traditional Thai costume designed by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in collaboration with a team of historians and local Thai designers.

The exhibition also sheds light on the unique history of a cultural and artistic dialogue, marked by more than thirty years of collaboration between Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and fashion designer Pierre Balmain, later continued with the houses of Balmain and Lesage.

The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile (Musée des textiles de la Reine Sirikit) in Thailand and SACIT (Sustainable Art and Craft Institute of Thailand).

The exhibition forms part of the celebrations marking the 340th anniversary of the first diplomatic relation and the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand.

Since the 1960s, Queen Sirikit has maintained close ties with major French and European couture houses. A passionate devotee of fashion, she played a central role in modernising court dress, presenting her creations during official visits alongside King Rama IX.

With the help of Pierre Balmain, she reinvented Thai royal elegance, preserving its heritage while giving it international appeal. This exhibition presents a selection of pieces from the wardrobes of the royal family.

It offers a unique insight into the rich Thai craft tradition in the fields of textiles, jewellery and accessories.

Committed to preserving traditions, Queen Sirikit worked tirelessly to safeguard the textile arts and crafts of her country, which led to the creation of the SUPPORT Foundation.