On January 28, Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, globally renowned as a member of Blackpink and a solo artist, was officially appointed Amazing Thailand Ambassador by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). To mark the occasion, Balmain unveiled a bespoke, archival-inspired couture creation — a striking dialogue between Parisian heritage and Thailand’s rich textile traditions.
A Couture Connection Between France and Thailand
Founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, the French Maison has long stood for elegance, precision, and visionary design. Balmain’s relationship with Thailand is deeply historic: Pierre Balmain designed much of the wardrobe of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, for over two decades. These creations forged a bridge between French haute couture and Thai cultural heritage, reflecting the House’s commitment to craftsmanship and international diplomacy.
For Lisa, the couture house revisited Nuit à Londres, an iconic evening gown from the Spring–Summer 1960 Haute Couture collection originally created for Queen Sirikit. The design honours decades of cross-cultural exchange while celebrating Thailand on a global stage through the lens of modern celebrity influence.
Modern Heritage: The Look For Lisa
The gown reimagined for Lisa is a masterclass in couture artistry. A bustier with meticulous draping forms the foundation of the look, paired with a wrap skirt in duchesse satin that balances fluidity and sculptural structure. Traditional Thai textiles are woven into the bandeau and sleeves, while a matching stole completes the ensemble, creating a harmonious blend of ceremonial elegance and modern flair.
The palette reflects the significance of the moment: yellow, rose gold, and gold Thai brocade are paired with chartreuse Thai silk, a combination that highlights the ceremonial importance of Lisa’s appointment. Every detail — from fabric selection to draping and silhouette — embodies the Maison’s precision, while honouring Thai craftsmanship in a contemporary, wearable form.
Cultural Dialogue Through Fashion
This couture creation is more than a gown; it is a symbol of cultural exchange and modern identity. Unveiled during the 170th anniversary of Thai-French relations and worn by one of the most influential Thai figures globally, the look embodies a seamless interplay between Balmain’s haute couture heritage and Thailand’s textile legacy. It is a celebration of artistry, heritage, and diplomacy, presented in a form that resonates with international audiences while honouring Lisa’s Thai roots.
Balmain’s creation for Lisa reflects the Maison’s enduring ability to blend historical inspiration with contemporary relevance, creating pieces that are as culturally significant as they are visually stunning. In doing so, it positions Lisa not only as a global icon but also as a modern ambassador of Thai identity and craftsmanship on the world stage.
Main and featured image: Mark Kawin@attapmrk
