Princess Sirivannavari Leads 'Royal Thai Costume' Runway Show in Tokyo

Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya of Thailand presided over a runway show of "Royal Thai Costumes" at the Hyokeikan, Tokyo National Museum, in Japan. The event, "CHUD THAI KNOWLEDGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRACTICES OF THE THAI NATIONAL COSTUME," aims to promote Thailand's invaluable cultural heritage on a global stage and elevate traditional Thai attire. The runway showcased eight types of traditional Thai costumes: Ruean Ton, Chitralada, Amarin, Boromphiman, Dusit, Chakri, Siwalai, and Chakraphat, along with three styles of royal shirts for men. The event was attended by Ms. Pheansa ThaiSert, Minister of Culture; Mr. Chada ThaiSert, Member of Parliament for Uthai Thani; and Mr. Saran Charoensuwan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Demonstrations of traditional Thai jewelry craftsmanship were also featured, including the art of wire wrapping, embroidery, silverware and goldware techniques, ancient gold-leaf fabric bags, and auspicious silk weaves. These were presented as contemporary designs that reflect artistic structure, not merely historical artifacts, but as living heritage capable of continuous development. The foundation for promoting Thai national costumes globally stems from the dedication of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, who has strived to preserve and pass down the nation's artistic and cultural heritage, particularly in the realm of attire, a key aspect of Thailand's identity. With her vision and expertise, she systematically studied historical evidence of Thai women's attire across different royal court eras and commissioned experts in history and design to develop the "Royal Thai Costume" as a standardized, elegant, and beautiful attire suitable for modern Thai women, appropriate for actual use in both domestic and international royal duties. Throughout the years, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother has worn the "Royal Thai Costume" on various occasions, effectively using attire as a "cultural medium" to convey Thailand's image on the international stage. Notably, during her official visits to the United States and European countries, including the Netherlands in 1960, the "Royal Thai Costume" garnered international admiration. This period also saw collaboration with French designer Pierre Balmain, who played a significant role in showcasing the beauty of Thai silk through haute couture. In 2024, the Cabinet of Thailand approved the proposal to submit "Thai National Costume: Knowledge, Craftsmanship, and Practices of National Dress" to UNESCO for consideration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision is expected at the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee, scheduled for December 2024 in Xiamen, People's Republic of China. Information Source: INN News