Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya has led a research visit to the Balmain archives in Paris, France, to study royal garments of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The visit included an in-depth examination of couture pieces created by the House of Balmain and preserved within its archives for nearly 70 years.
The research visit was conducted in preparation for the exhibition La Mode en Majesté, Haute Couture et Tradition à la Cour de Thaïlande, which will be presented in Paris. The study examined original designs and historical documentation of royal attire created for Her Majesty, providing valuable insights into the period's craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
The House of Balmain was founded by renowned French couturier Pierre Balmain, who was entrusted with designing international-style royal attire worn by Her Majesty during official state visits with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great to the United States and European countries in 1960. Balmain later continued to create both Western- and Thai-inspired royal attire for the Queen Mother on many occasions.
Following Pierre Balmain’s passing in 1982, Her Majesty graciously authorized the House of Balmain to continue its royal tailoring role, with Erik Mortensen appointed to oversee the work. This ensured the continuation of a distinguished couture legacy linked to the Thai royal court for more than two decades.
The exhibition is scheduled to take place from May to November 2026 at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. It will commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France and showcase the enduring cultural and artistic ties between the two nations through the lens of royal Thai couture.
Source: NBT World
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