The Louvre’s first-ever fashion exhibition is arriving next month

Blending history’s haute couture pieces with the museum’s rich collection of artifacts, the show’s aim is to attract new audiences – including young visitors, local Parisians, and fashionistas from all over the world.

It is also expected that will encourage the Louvre’s regular visitors to explore a different wing of the museum.

According to the Louvre website, ‘Over a nearly 9,000-square-metre space, 65 designs are displayed, along with a number of accessories, newly illuminating the close historical dialogue that continues to take place between the world of fashion and the department’s greatest masterpieces, from Byzantium to the Second Empire.’

Fashion’s rich history, as well as the evolution of textiles, materials, and creative styles, will be on full display for all visitors to enjoy.

 

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The Louvre’s foray into fashion has reportedly attracted a series of new donors.

However, the museum’s curators were adamant about retaining control over each item included in the exhibition, refusing sponsorship from fashion brands as a result.

To raise funds needed to host the 4-month exhibition, it has instead pulled inspiration from the New York’s Met Gala, deciding to host a fashion gala on March 4^th.

For this night of celebration, each fashion house featured in the exhibition – as well as many others – have paid a hefty fee to reserve their own tables.

It’s an absolute must-attend for even the most prestige fashion houses, which would likely view the opportunity to be part of the Louvre’s first-ever fashion event as one of the best press wins they could possibly pull off.

Contrary to seasonal fashion shows which occur most often behind closed doors, or pricey PR stunts that may or may not pay off, having their most intricate and beautiful designs on show to wider audiences will breathe new life into their brand.

It’s great to see Europe’s most famous museum finally celebrating an industry that has not just been a key fact of artistic expression for millions of people, but one that can tell a story about the evolution of cultures.

One might even call this event overdue. After all, the fashion industry – no matter how ‘involved’ we think we are with it or not – touches all over our lives and has done for pretty much all of human history.

Just ask Miranda Priestley.