A retrospective look "Thai Royal Formal Dress" and the genius of the Queen Mother who transformed Thai textiles into global fashion
Over the past half-century, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, has laid an important foundation in the Thai fashion and handicraft world, perfectly blending cultural heritage with contemporary style.
The story of these beautiful royal costumes is grandly displayed at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles through three main exhibitions, serving as vital evidence of a vision that not only revived Thai textiles but also encouraged Thais to truly value and take pride in their craftsmanship.
The beginning of her royal duties during her foreign visits in 1960 as a representative of Thai women marked the origin of the "Thai Royal Formal Dress" of eight styles, which she commissioned to embody the uniqueness and elegance of Thai women on the global stage. Each dress style is named after royal halls and residences within the Grand Palace.
This narrative is shared by Alisa Saisevatwari, curator of the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
1. The Sirirajapastra Exhibition showcases Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s royal dresses, mostly crafted from Thai fabrics, spanning eras from the 1960s to 2000s.
2. The Thai Royal Formal Dress exhibition focuses on the eight royal dress styles she commissioned.
3. The Ratchaphoositraporn Siam exhibition displays ancient textiles from the Siamese royal court.
Her Majesty had a far-reaching vision that brought Thailand recognition in 1960.
She was accompanied by King Rama IX on visits to countries in Europe and America, representing Thai women. She needed to showcase Thai identity, culture, and wisdom. This led to the creation of the eight Thai Royal Formal Dress styles to show these as authentic Thai attire.
These eight styles are named after royal halls and palaces within the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was the pioneer and leader in introducing Thai textiles into royal attire, guiding weavers to adjust patterns and colors to fit modern life. This effort continues to this day, seen in the diverse colors, patterns, and fabric choices in Thai textiles.
What are the original eight Thai Royal Formal Dress styles, their characteristics, and the royal ceremonies in which each is worn?
A round-neck shirt with three-quarter sleeves paired with a wrapped skirt, made of silk, mudmee silk, or plain silk. Suitable for morning events and temple visits.
These have similar designs, featuring a standing collar long-sleeve blouse and wrapped skirt. The difference lies in the skirt fabric: Chitlada uses a plain fabric without gold thread embroidery, while Amarin features gold thread designs. Suitable for evening and royal ceremonies.
A one-piece outfit with a pleated front skirt and standing collar long-sleeve blouse, worn with a chest necklace and belt or sash.
Features a sleeveless blouse with a pleated front skirt, worn as a one-piece outfit suitable for evening events, adorned with beautiful embroidery on top.
The familiar style with a shawl over the shoulder and pleated front skirt, worn with a chest necklace and belt. The shawl may be pleated or embroidered for added elegance. Suitable for evening and important royal ceremonies.
A long-sleeved standing collar outfit with an additional shoulder cloth or outer shawl and pleated front skirt, beautifully embroidered and used for important occasions.
Features a layered embroidered shawl as an outer shoulder cloth and pleated front skirt, worn for significant evening events.
Her Majesty often expressed, "Every Thai person has inherent craftsmanship; they only need the opportunity to express it." It is clear she promoted and revived various art forms to ensure their survival to this day.
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