The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is holding a talk entitled "Fit For A Queen: Creating Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's Western Wardrobe", followed by an exhibition tour to see the new addition of nine of Her Majesty's evening dresses from the 1960s to the museum, tomorrow from 1.30-3.45pm.
The talk will illuminate the fruitful two-decade relationship between Her Majesty and French couturier Pierre Balmain, which began during preparations for the late King Bhumibol and the Queen's 1960 state visit to Europe and the US.
The collaboration resulted in a stylish, elegant and regal wardrobe that made Her Majesty recognised as one of the best-dressed women in the world. The talk will be given by Melissa Leventon and Alisa Saisavetvaree, co-curators of the ongoing exhibition "Fit For A Queen: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's Creations By Balmain".
Running from August 2016, the exhibition showcases more than 30 royal costumes and accessories from the Queen's Western wardrobe. However, nine of them now need to be removed from the collection for repair and will be replaced with another nine costumes that will be showcased for the first time.
After the talk, participants will join a curator-led exhibition tour to witness the new dresses, which include a silk satin dress with silk thread and braid, bead, paillette and gold metal coil embroidery Balmain made in 1960 and HM donned for formal occasions in both England and Italy; a white mink trimmed Thai silk dress with silk and metallic silver thread, bead and paillette embroidery; and Nuit a Londres, a strapless gown of Thai silk and silk and metallic gold brocade.
The talk and the tour will be conducted in English, with a brief summary in Thai. The fee is 250 baht. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is located on the Grand Palace's compound, Na Phra Lan Road.
Call 02-225-9420 or 02-225-9430 ext 0 or 245 or visit www.facebook.com/qsmtthailand.
