La Mode en Majesté: Haute couture et tradition à la Cour de Thaïlande / Royal Thai Dress : From Tradition to Modernity

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