Thai local mats featured in Dior Gold House

Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern luxury, Chanthaburi’s renowned handwoven mats have been reimagined in stylish designs showcased at Dior Gold House, a new high-end destination in Bangkok.

French luxury brand Dior unveiled its Dior Gold House concept store on Thursday in Bangkok’s Ploenchit district. The opening ceremony was attended by celebrities including Kim Ji-soo, a member of the K-pop girl group Blackpink.

The store’s design features a façade inspired by Dior’s iconic Avenue Montaigne flagship in Paris.

Inside, visitors can experience The Dior Café, offering desserts crafted by three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco.

The venue is also adorned with works by Thai artists, blending local heritage with luxury.

Among the highlights are pieces made from Chanthaboon mats, which some consider the finest handwoven mats in Thailand. The term “Chanthaboon” refers to Chanthaburi province in eastern Thailand, the traditional home of this craft.

Crafted from carex, a durable material, these mats have been transformed into striking designs, including a replica of a tuk-tuk, an iconic Thai vehicle, and chairs featured in The Dior Café.

Saran Yenpanya, the designer of the chairs, explained in a Facebook post why he chose to incorporate handwoven mats rather than more conventional materials.

“The mat might seem ordinary, but it’s actually designed to complement Dior patterns,” he wrote.

He added: “I hope children in Chanthaburi see this project and feel that being a mat weaver is cool too,” noting that younger generations are increasingly overlooking the craft.

The store also features a range of items showcasing Thai traditional styles and locally sourced materials, celebrating the intersection of heritage and contemporary design.