Golden Thread: The Alchemy of Elegance

The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris presents Golden Thread: The Art of Dressing from North Africa to the Far East, an exhibition exploring the enduring relationship between gold and textile arts. Running from February 11th to July 6th, 2025, the show traces the use of gold in fabrics from the Maghreb to Japan, revealing its historical and cultural significance.

Curated by Hana Al Banna-Chidiac and Magali An Berthon, the exhibition highlights how gold has symbolized power, wealth, and artistic ingenuity for over 7,000 years. From ancient funeral garments to contemporary haute couture, it showcases the evolution of gold-woven textiles across civilizations.

Among the standout pieces is a selection of brocade caftans from the Maghreb, reflecting a tradition of opulence dating back to medieval Tunisia and Morocco. These garments, woven with gold threads, exemplify the region’s rich textile heritage and its fusion of Andalusian and Ottoman influences.

Another highlight is the collection of Edo-period kimonos from Japan, adorned with intricate gold embroidery and leaf motifs. These pieces illustrate the craftsmanship of Kyoto’s Nishijin weaving district, where metallic threads have been used to create luxurious fabrics for centuries.

The exhibition also features the avant-garde creations of Chinese designer Guo Pei, whose gold-embellished gowns bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. Her elaborate designs, inspired by imperial robes, celebrate gold’s enduring allure in the modern era.

Divided into thematic and geographic sections, the exhibition examines the technical mastery behind gold-thread weaving, from Indian brocade saris to Cambodian royal textiles. It also explores alternative materials that mimic gold, such as sea silk and golden spider silk.

Through historical artifacts and contemporary works, Golden Thread unveils the global journey of gold in textile artistry, offering a dazzling perspective on its cultural legacy.