Photo : Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Majestic Fashion, Haute Couture and Tradition at the Court of Thailand
Step into a world where ancestral Thai craftsmanship meets the pinnacle of French couture elegance. This showcase unveils an exquisite collection of royal attire, tracing a decades-long creative dialogue that redefined traditional grace for the international stage. Expect a mesmerizing display of intricate silk work and jewelry that feels both timeless and surprisingly avant-garde.
Musée des Arts décoratifs (Paris 1st)
About
The Musée des Arts décoratifs celebrates the splendor of the Thai royal court with an exhibition featuring over one hundred exceptional garments and accessories. This display highlights the eight traditional Thai costume formats redefined by Queen Sirikit in collaboration with designer Pierre Balmain, illustrating decades of artistic dialogue between France and Thailand. Visitors can explore the intricate silk craftsmanship, royal jewelry, and the enduring legacy of the Thai monarchy through these historical pieces. The exhibition is open to the public from September 30 to November 1, 2026. Please note that this is a ticketed event requiring paid admission for all visitors.
Bringing together over a hundred exceptional outfits and accessories, the exhibition presents royal wardrobes, highlighting the eight formats of traditional Thai costumes designed by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in collaboration with a team of local Thai historians and creators. Furthermore, the exhibition sheds light on the unique history of cultural and artistic dialogue, marked by more than thirty years of collaboration between Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and fashion designer Pierre Balmain, subsequently continued with the houses of Balmain and Lesage.
This exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile in Thailand and the SACIT (Sustainable Art and Craft Institute of Thailand). The exhibition is part of the celebrations for the 340th anniversary of the first diplomatic relationship and the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand.
Since the 1960s, Queen Sirikit has maintained close relations with major French and European fashion houses. Passionate about fashion, she played a central role in the modernization of court attire, showcasing her creations during official trips with King Rama IX. With the help of Pierre Balmain, she reinvented Thai royal elegance, preserving its heritage while ensuring its international appeal.
This exhibition presents a selection of pieces from the royal family's wardrobes. It offers a unique insight into the rich Thai craft tradition in the field of textiles, jewelry, and accessories. Committed to the preservation of traditions, Queen Sirikit worked tirelessly to safeguard the textile arts and crafts of her country, which led to the creation of the SUPPORT Foundation.
Today, the Foundation is under the patronage of Queen Suthida, who continues to champion and expand its mission, while her granddaughter, Princess Sirivannavari, perpetuates this legacy as a fashion designer, supporting the younger generation of Thai creators. She encourages contemporary innovation and promotes the use of traditional textiles. This presentation invites visitors to discover the exceptional diversity and beauty of Thai silk fabrics and court costumes, witnesses to a unique family and cultural history, as well as the fruitful exchanges between France and Thailand.
Our take on this event
Experience the refinement of Thai royal fashion at the Musée des Arts décoratifs. This exhibition documents Queen Sirikit’s dedication to safeguarding traditional textile arts, a mission supported by the creation of the SUPPORT Foundation and her long-standing professional partnership with Pierre Balmain, Balmain, and Lesage. The event is hosted in partnership with the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile and the SACIT, while also highlighting the contemporary influence of Princess Sirivannavari.
The collection includes over one hundred pieces from the royal wardrobe, showcasing the eight formal Thai costumes that were modernized during the 1960s. Through these displays, guests can admire the richness of Thai silks and intricate craftsmanship that bridge the cultural gap between France and Thailand. This exhibition also serves as a celebration of the long-standing diplomatic history shared between the two nations.
The exhibition runs from September 30, 2026, to November 1, 2026. Opening hours are structured to accommodate different schedules: the museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 to 18:00, on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:00 to 21:00, and on Sundays from 11:00 to 20:00. Access to the museum is subject to an entrance fee.
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