Louvre Couture. Art and Fashion: Statement Pieces

The Louvre had only ever organised fashion shows for the leading designer houses. But now, for the very first time, the Louvre is hosting an exhibition devoted entirely to the world of fashion. A celebration of haute couture in the historic setting of the museum’s galleries.

This event revisits the relationship between fashion and art, to carry you off on a trip through time. From mixed inspirations to reciprocated influences between creators and artistic masterpieces.

Fashion and art come together in a 9,000-m² exhibition

The exhibition follows an exceptional path through the Louvre’s Objets d’Art department.
You’ll see 65 outfits and 30 fashion accessories mixing with artistic objects dating from the Byzantine Empire to the Second French Empire.
Creations by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and the artworks of Yohji Yamamoto and Dolce & Gabbana interact with tapestries, gold and silver items and the suit of armour of Henry IV.
Among the figures under the spotlight, a special tribute is paid to the great French fashion designer, Marie-Louise Carven, whose innovative vision and stylistic choices have left their mark on the history of fashion.
In her day, this passionate art collector donated a number of 18th-century objects to the Pyramid of Paris.

An haute couture exhibition

Olivier Gabet, former director of the Museum of Decorative Arts and current manager of the Louvre’s Objets d’Art department, is coordinating the exhibition. Nathalie Crinière is tasked with the tour design. Well-known for her work at the Decorative Arts Museum and the Dior Gallery, she uses visual and light effects to accentuate the interaction between fashion creations and artworks. Her vision promises to pay a fabulous tribute to haute couture.

Even more exhibitions to visit in the Paris Region.