THAILAND – CULTURE: Thai fashion shines in Paris with the “Fashion in Majesty” exhibition

 

The Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, visited the “Fashion in Majesty” exhibition on May 25, 2026. Royal Thai costume, from tradition to modernity”, organized at the Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD) in Paris. This event, placed under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, celebrates the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France.

 

The result of a collaboration between the Thai Ministry of Commerce, SACIT (Institute for the Promotion of Thai Arts and Crafts), the Queen Sirikit Textiles Museum, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris and the Museum of Decorative Arts, the exhibition highlights the elegance and know-how of Thai culture through more than 200 exceptional pieces. The whole is presented under the direction of Béatrice Quette, curator of the Asian and Islamic arts collections at the Parisian museum.

 

The route unfolds through seven themed rooms retracing the history and evolution of Thai costume. The first room looks back at 170 years of French-Thai relations, illustrating how clothing served as a cultural and diplomatic bridge between the two nations.

 

One of the most notable spaces is dedicated to the eight official styles of traditional Thai costume, today considered the national outfits of the kingdom.

 

Visitors can admire royal outfits worn by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Queen Mother, Her Majesty Queen Suthida as well as Princess Sirivannavari. This section bears witness to the transmission and modernization of Thai aesthetics over generations.

 

Another room highlights Thai artistic crafts through refined objects such as bags, painted fans or Benjarong porcelain. Among the highlights of the exhibition is also a unique presentation of the creations made for the Queen Mother by the Balmain house and the Lesage embroidery workshop. Sketches, textile samples and precious embroideries reveal the meticulous work carried out between Thai artisans and major French houses.

 

The exhibition also gives an important place to regional textiles and traditional Thai fabrics, notably silks. What’s the point? » integrated into French haute couture creations thanks to collaborations with Lesage. The dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creation continues in a space dedicated to the SIRIVANNAVARI brand, founded by Princess Sirivannavari, as well as to the creations of contemporary Thai designers such as TIRAPAN, ASAVA, VATIT ITTHI, WISHARAWISH and MESHMUSEUM.

 

Through this exhibition, Thailand affirms its ability to showcase its cultural heritage on the international stage while promoting the innovation and creativity of its young generation of creators.

 

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris hosts the exhibition “Fashion in Majesty. Thai royal costume, from tradition to modernity » until 1 November 2026.

 

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