The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris opens "Fashion in Majesty: Haute Couture and Tradition at the Thai Court" from May 13 to November 1, 2026. The exhibition features over a hundred garments, accessories, and textile pieces from the Thai royal family's collections, focusing on how Queen Sirikit modernized Thai ceremonial dress while preserving traditional codes through her collaboration with Pierre Balmain and Maison Lesage. The show also highlights the work of the SUPPORT Foundation, established by Queen Sirikit to safeguard traditional crafts, and the ongoing legacy carried by Queen Suthida and Princess Sirivannavari.
This exhibition matters because it presents a unique cultural dialogue between French haute couture and Thai royal aesthetics, illustrating how fashion can serve as a tool for cultural preservation and modernization. By showcasing the evolution of Thai ceremonial dress and the royal family's commitment to traditional craftsmanship, the show underscores the role of fashion in national identity and diplomatic relations, especially as it coincides with the 170th and 340th anniversaries of Franco-Thai diplomatic ties.