Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over the opening ceremony of the exhibition ‘La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity’ at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris on May 25.
The exhibition, held under the patronage of the princess, is jointly organised by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT) and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
Princess Sirivannavari delivered opening remarks after welcoming remarks by given by Bénédicte Gady, director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
The princess later toured all seven exhibition rooms, together with members of the Thai Cabinet led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, diplomats and invited guests.
The exhibition traces the evolution of Royal Thai dress through art, textiles and handicrafts.
More than 200 items from the royal wardrobe of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother are on display, including royal gowns, shoes, handbags, jewellery and handicrafts produced under the SUPPORT Foundation.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow later delivered remarks during a specially arranged Thai fine-dining reception for distinguished guests.
He praised Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s dedication to preserving Thai arts and crafts and Princess Sirivannavari’s efforts to continue that cultural legacy through contemporary creative concepts.
The exhibition was organised to commemorate the 340th anniversary of first contact between Siam and France, as well as the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France.
Organisers said the exhibition showcases the refinement of Thai cultural heritage, craftsmanship and the evolution of Thai fashion on the international stage. It also marks the first time that Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s royal dresses have been exhibited abroad.
The event has attracted celebrities, fashion trendsetters, designers, luxury brand executives, international media representatives and social media influencers from both Thailand and France.
‘La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity’ will remain open to the public until November 1.
