Paris: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister of Thailand, led a delegation to the Mus©e des Arts D©coratifs in Paris to view the historic exhibition "Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity: La Mode en Majest©," which marks 170 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France. The exhibition, which highlights the significance of Thai heritage through costume design and craftsmanship, is open until November 1st.
According to Thai News Agency, the exhibition was inaugurated yesterday, May 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM, with Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthadhamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotsanulok Wongsawat, and Minister of Culture Sabida Thaiseth. The event, held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, celebrates the 170th anniversary of Thai-French diplomatic relations.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Commerce, the Thailand Institute of Arts and Crafts (SACIT), the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, and the Mus©e des Arts D©coratifs. Curated by B©atrice Quette, it features over 200 Thai designers' works, emphasizing Thai heritage through clothing designs, ancient brocade fabrics, and high-end handicrafts.
Structured in seven rooms, the exhibition starts with "The Genesis of 170 Years of Thai-French Relations," which depicts the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations through clothing. Another section, "Eight Royal Thai Costume Styles," displays national costumes worn by members of the Thai royal family, showcasing the evolution of Thai attire.
A significant highlight is the "Royal Garments: The Value of Thai Craftsmanship" room, which presents Thai artistry through household items and decorative pieces. Notably, it includes the "Royal Garments of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, by Balmain and Lesage." This segment unveils the collaborative work between Her Majesty and French fashion houses, featuring sketches, fabric samples, and embroidery.
The exhibition also explores "Brocade and Local Woven Fabrics," demonstrating the weaving expertise from various Thai regions, and "Mudmee Silk in Haute Couture," illustrating the integration of Thai fabrics into French haute couture with designs in collaboration with Lesage.
Additionally, contemporary Thai designers are represented in the "Embroidery Art from the SIRIVANNAVARI Brand," showcasing modern interpretations of Thai art and culture by designers such as TIRAPAN, ASAVA, VATIT ITTHI, WISHARAWISH, and MESHMUSEUM, who express Thai identity through contemporary fashion.
The exhibition 'Royal Garments to the World: La Mode en Majest©. Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity' offers a rich exploration of Thai cultural heritage and is open to the public until November 1, 2026, at the Mus©e des Arts D©coratifs in Paris.