La Mode en Majesté

In spring 2026, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs will present a unique exhibition on clothing at the Thai court, tracing the relationship between local textile traditions and haute couture, as well as the advent of fashion as a marker of Thai culture internationally and its essential role in the kingdom's diplomacy. This exhibition will be presented in celebration of the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France, and the 340th anniversary of the first official contact between Siam and France. The catalogue published at this occasion highlights the figure of Queen Sirikit, a national icon who recently passed away. Passionate about fashion, she played a central role in modernising court attire, presenting her creations during official trips with King Rama IX. From the 1960s onwards, Queen Sirikit maintained close relations with leading French and European fashion houses. By collaborating for more than thirty years with Pierre Balmain and then with Erik Mortensen, his successor at the head of the fashion house, she reinvented Thai royal elegance, preserving its heritage while ensuring its international appeal. Committed to preserving traditions, she also worked tirelessly to safeguard her country's textile arts and crafts. The book brings together nearly two hundred outfits, accessories, royal objects, photographs, fabric samples, and embroidery (from Lesage and Princess Sirivannavari), and offers a unique glimpse into Thailand's rich tradition of craftsmanship in textiles, jewellery, and accessories. It highlights the use of fashion as a form of cultural diplomacy that works through image, craftsmanship, and materials.