Fashion and the decorative arts have long shared a common thread in their techniques and cultural inspirations, yet it wasn’t until this month that they received equal recognition within the revered halls of one of France’s most prestigious institutions. The Louvre Museum in Paris has opened its doors to fashion with the exhibition “Louvre Couture: Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion,” marking a historic moment for the museum in its 231-year history. This innovative exhibition has brought together fashion and art to showcase their interconnected beauty and craftsmanship.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Curator: Olivier Gabet
Exhibition: Louvre Couture: Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion
Location: Louvre Museum, Paris
Design Houses: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, and others
Event: Grand Dîner du Louvre
Historical Periods: From 1960 to Present
Curated by Olivier Gabet, the director of the museum’s department of decorative arts, the exhibition invites visitors to explore 100 ensembles and accessories from iconic fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, and more, displayed across a lavish 100,000 square feet. This stunning showcase spans designs from 1960 to the present day, reflecting a significant shift in the museum’s approach to integrating popular culture. By presenting fashion alongside decorative arts, the exhibition underscores the remarkable skills involved and positions fashion as a legitimate gateway to the realm of design.
While the Louvre may not be known for preserving garments, the representation of clothing throughout its galleries is undeniable, from ancient sculptures to 18th-century artwork. The exhibition thoughtfully organizes pieces around historical periods, providing a narrative that visitors can engage with in any order they choose. This approach highlights the timeless relationship between fashion and various historical contexts, allowing for a deeper appreciation of how past and present motifs continue to inspire modern design.
Visitors will find themselves captivated by the juxtaposition of couture with decorative art pieces, such as artworks made from gold and ivory alongside avant-garde fashion looks on mirrored podiums. For instance, the Renaissance section pairs brightly enameled ceramics and intricately designed armor with a Schiaparelli suit from Daniel Roseberry’s spring 2023 haute couture collection, showcasing the continuity of craftsmanship through the ages. Within this rich context, the exhibition creates a dialogue between the showcased fashion items and their historical counterparts.
Noteworthy pieces include a Chanel jacket adorned with Lesage embroidery, its design echoing the work of 18th-century cabinet maker Mathieu Criaerd, and a crystal-embroidered Dolce & Gabbana dress inspired by 11th-century Venetian mosaics. A Dior gown featuring a Sun King motif is fittingly positioned near a baroque portrait of Louis XIV, blending fashion with its historical influences. These pieces highlight the fusion of traditional motifs with modern couture, demonstrating the enduring allure and adaptability of cultural iconography.
The exhibition also emphasizes the delight and enjoyment museums can offer, as Gabet noted. To commemorate this unique event, the museum will host a Grand Dîner du Louvre in the Cour Marly, a covered sculpture garden, where art, design, and fashion will converse over a sumptuous meal. This sophisticated gathering embodies haute cuisine and represents the epitome of savoir-faire, celebrating the vibrant synergy between these intertwined worlds. Visitors and patrons alike are invited to partake in this exquisite experience, symbolizing a new chapter for fashion at the Louvre.
