I have always been a die-hard fan of fashion history. Whether it’s witnessing iconic pieces from the past come alive or delving into the evolution of a brand, every facet of fashion's journey captivates me. Yet, what truly holds my gaze are archival pieces—unique treasures that tell a story and leave an indelible mark on the heart. From being mesmerized by the grandeur of The Met’s facade to my first experience with luxury fashion exhibitions like the Dior exhibit at the V&A Museum in London in 2019, I’m constantly in awe of the blend of art and fashion. The allure of LV The Palace in Bangkok and Gucci’s immersive Gucci Vision exhibit further confirmed how art and fashion are intertwined. And then there’s The Louvre in Paris—a place I’ve long dreamed of visiting. For me, art and fashion are deeply connected; they inspire each other and can’t truly be separated. For me, art and fashion are inseparable, simply because they serve as a two way street for inspiration and design.
This year, ahead of Paris Fashion Week 2025, the Louvre has decided to turn its attention to fashion in a dramatic and unexpected way. For the first time in its 231-year history, the Louvre is diving into the world of fashion—and as someone who loves both fashion and history, this feels like a dream come true. Complementing its rich history, prestige, and iconic status, the Louvre Couture: Art Objects, Fashion Objects exhibition is the museum’s debut fashion show, perfectly timed to coincide with Paris Haute Couture Week.
On view until July 21, 2025, the exhibit spans nearly 100,000 square feet of the Louvre’s lavish decorative arts galleries and the opulent Napoleon III apartments, setting the stage for a breathtaking exploration of couture from legendary houses such as Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Schiaparelli, among others. Featuring over 100 ensembles and accessories, the exhibition showcases the work of iconic designers like John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Gianni Versace, and Iris van Herpen, spanning from 1960 to 2025. This remarkable showcase is organized around four key historical periods: Byzantium and the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Grand Siècle, and the 19th century, drawing intricate connections between these past eras and the modern world of design.
The exhibition's magic lies not only in the garments themselves but in the way these pieces are displayed. Imagine a silk Dior gown by Galliano (2006–07) elegantly juxtaposed with historical objets d’art, or a velvet Balenciaga gown gracing one of the Napoleon III dining rooms. Highlights include an evening dress in pleated tulle, embroidered with mosaic flowers reminiscent of Baroque and Renaissance floor motifs, Fendi's Fall 2019 haute couture collection, Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel haute couture Spring 2019 skirt suit, and Alexander McQueen's iconic Armadillo shoe, displayed alongside rustic 17th-century pottery. A Versace ready-to-wear dress from 2018 is presented alongside furniture and tapestries from Louis XVIII’s bedroom at the Tuileries Palace, blurring the lines between fashion and art. More abstract offerings include Nadège Vanhée’s geometric bronze mesh-covered stretch silk minidress from Hermes Spring 2021, which takes inspiration from medieval chainmail.
The exhibition also focuses on the 18th-century, with the period rooms, in particular, densely populated with rococo-inspired designs by Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Nicolas Ghesquière, each collection echoing the marquetry and gold scrolls on display in the adjacent Boulle cabinets and Louis XV chairs. Fashion’s connection to the 18th century is explored through figures like Madame de Pompadour, Madame du Barry, and Queen Marie Antoinette, whose influence still shapes fashion today.
However, not all the designs in the exhibition are overtly opulent. Some pieces, like Demna’s sculptural black ball gown from Balenciaga’s Spring 2020 collection, show a more minimalist approach. Likewise, Louise Trotter’s raw-edged satin coat from Carven’s Spring 2025 collection reflects a simpler elegance, inspired by Marie-Louise Carven, who was known for her sharp, minimalist designs and her donation of 18th-century art and furniture to The Louvre.
Indeed a highly awaited move, Louvre Couture is a true celebration of how art and fashion intertwine taking us back in time and making us reimagine the beauty of the bygone era.
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