When the Louvre Museum announced its first-ever fashion exhibition, Louvre Couture. Art and fashion: statement pieces, opening in January 2025, it naturally sparked comparisons to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic Costume Institute exhibition and its extravagant Met Gala. However, olivier Gabet, Director of the Department of Decorative Arts at the Louvre, emphasizes a key distinction: “With the Costume Institute, the Met has a vast and respected collection of fashion. Our approach is different,” he states, acknowledging the Louvre’s lack of a dedicated fashion department.
So, how does fashion find a home in a museum without a specific fashion wing? Gabet, who curated Louvre Couture with exhibition assistant Marie Brimicombe, explains, “It needs to be connected to the Louvre’s collection. We want to spark new dialogues, but they must be meaningful and relevant.”
The exhibition, running through July 21, vividly illustrates the enduring influence of art, objects, and styles from history on contemporary fashion. Over 45 of the world’s leading fashion designers and maisons have responded to this inspiration, showcasing thier creations across a sprawling 9,000 square meters of the Department of Decorative Arts galleries.
A look by Thom Browne
© Musée du Louvre / nicolas Bousser
The exhibition features an remarkable roster of designers, spanning French icons like Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy to international houses like Prada, Erdem, Dries Van Noten, and Undercover. Emerging talents like Marine Serre and charles de Vilmorin also make their mark. American designer and CFDA Chairman Thom Browne,whose wide-hipped spring-summer 2020 ready-to-wear ensembles,reminiscent of 18th-century panniers,are displayed alongside whimsical Regency-era painted panels in the Louvre’s Isaac de Camondo period room,reflects on the significance of this partnership. “It’s so important to see fashion elevated to the highest level at some of the greatest museums in the world,” he says. “It’s even more important that people coming to these institutions get to see the amazing work so many of us have the privilege of seeing in person.”
The Unexpected Allure of Fashion in the Art World
Table of Contents
- 1. The Unexpected Allure of Fashion in the Art World
- 2. haute couture meets the Louvre
- 3. iris Van Herpen: Finding Inspiration in the Louvre
- 4. The Louvre’s Unexpected Fashion Exhibit: Where Haute Couture Meets history
- 5. How does Iris Van Herpen’s use of architectural elements in her designs reflect the influence of the Louvre’s collection?
- 6. Iris Van Herpen: fashion’s Muse at the Louvre
- 7. An Enchanting Dialogue: Fashion and Art at the Louvre
- 8. Cathedral of Couture: A Bridge Between Art and Garments
- 9. Linking History and Fashion: A Lasting Legacy
the fashion world, with its constant buzz and ever-evolving trends, may seem worlds apart from the hallowed halls of renowned museums. Yet, a captivating exhibition at the Louvre, “Louvre Couture,” boldly challenges this perception. Curated by fashion historian and expert, Olivier Gabet,this exhibition unveils a interesting narrative about the intersection of fashion and art,highlighting how timeless elegance transcends societal trends and resonates across generations.
Gabet, drawing upon his extensive experiance as the former Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) where he curated groundbreaking exhibitions like Harper’s Bazaar. First in Fashion (2021) and Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli (2022-23), emphasizes the need to move beyond conventional narratives of haute couture, stating, “It was key to show more than haute couture as that’s no longer the only story of fashion.” He explains that contemporary fashion, free from the restrictions of historical pieces, offers a unique and perhaps even more surprising viewpoint for visitors.
gabet’s vision for “Louvre Couture” is enterprising. He aims to bridge the perceived gap between the austere world of classical art and the dynamic realm of fashion. This bold endeavor underscores the worldwide appeal of fashion, acknowledging its ability to act as a powerful conduit to understanding and appreciating cultural history.
“It’s so CRITICALLY IMPORTANT to see FASHION elevated to the highest level at some of the GREATEST MUSEUMS in the world,” acclaimed fashion designer Thom Browne remarked, highlighting the significance of showcasing fashion in prestigious art institutions. This sentiment resonated deeply with Gabet, who strives to make the world of fashion accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
By weaving together historical threads of Parisian couture and contemporary design,Gabet invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of fashion’s evolution. “Louvre Couture” is not merely an exhibition; it is a journey through time, a party of creativity, and a testament to fashion’s enduring power to captivate and inspire.
When it comes to fashion exhibitions,Jean-Luc Gabet,curator of paintings at the Louvre,steers clear of simplistic views. “We don’t need more visitors,” he states, noting that the Louvre is already the world’s most visited museum.“It’s about offering another experience to the visitor.” Gabet, along with louvre Director Laurence des Cars, recognizes the artistic significance of fashion, an awareness that blossomed from their shared tenure at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
During their 2009 collaboration, they acquired their first piece – a treasure pulled from Christie’s auction of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s renowned collection.This sparked an enduring captivation with fashion’s intricate relationship to art, an interest they nurtured with anticipation.
In 2022, seizing a momentous possibility, des Cars and Gabet capitalized on the 60th anniversary of yves Saint Laurent’s inaugural runway show. For a multi-venue exhibition celebrating this milestone, they curated a display showcasing Saint Laurent’s creations alongside select pieces from the Louvre’s permanent collection in the prestigious Galerie d’Apollon.Their collaboration serves as a testament to the museum’s growing embrace of fashion as a vital element within its artistic narrative,offering visitors an enriching and nuanced perspective.
A peek at Balenciaga’s collection
This carefully orchestrated blend of timeless masterpieces and modern sartorial genius offers visitors an opportunity to experience the dialog between art forms across eras, challenging traditional boundaries.
Looks by Duro Olowu and Loewe
The exhibition Louvre Couture truly shines due to its multidisciplinary spirit, blending old and new influences, and celebrating the artistry of superb craftsmanship.”For me, the work of Andrew Bolton is vrey inspirational,” says Gabet, referencing the curator in Charge of the Costume Institute’s renowned cross-departmental shows. Like Bolton’s exhibitions, _Louvre Couture_ evokes a sense of awe and grandeur by drawing inspiration from the Musée du louvre itself.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a knack for crafting immersive artistic experiences, transporting visitors through time and culture. The 2018 exhibition “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Inventiveness” took attendees on a dazzling journey, exploring the intricate relationship between faith and high fashion. Similar transportative spectacles were created in previous years with exhibits like ”China: Through the Looking Glass” (2015) and “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the Eighteenth Century” (2004).
Each of these exhibitions demanded meticulous planning and execution, particularly given the Met’s commitment to showcasing a breadth of historical artifacts and contemporary pieces. As Olivier Gabet, the museum’s director, aptly remarked, “The Louvre is haute couture—it has to be perfect.” This standard of excellence is evident in the Met’s carefully curated displays, which offer a rare glimpse into the world of fashion through a historical lens.
haute couture meets the Louvre
A dress by Iris Van Herpen in the Grand Salon
The Louvre, world-renowned for its treasures of classical art and history, has embraced a new era of extravagance. “Louvre Couture,” a breathtaking exhibition exploring the history of haute couture, graces its hallowed halls. This unique display delves into the fascinating world of high fashion, showcasing its iconic artistry and impact on global culture.
“Everything is impressive at the Louvre, but with a simple, refined language. The Louvre is haute couture—it has to be perfect,” explains Jean-Luc gobet,head curator of the exhibition.This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the exhibition’s design philosophy, meticulously crafted by Nathalie Crinière, the expert mind behind Schiaparelli and Iris van Herpen exhibitions at MAD.
Rather than relying on flashy technological interventions, “Louvre Couture” embraces the inherent grandeur of the museum itself. The majestic galleries, period rooms, and opulent Napoleon III apartments provide a timeless backdrop for the exquisite garments on display.
For fashion enthusiasts, the exhibition is a journey through time. As Iris van Herpen, a renowned contemporary designer, points out, “the creation of haute Couture in Paris was during the same time as the creation of the Napoleon apartments, so it is a historic moment that this comes together in the Louvre for the first time.” Her words underscore the historical significance of the exhibition, highlighting the parallel evolution of French haute couture and architectural splendor during a pivotal period in history.
Van Herpen’s personal connection to the Louvre deepened during her work on her 2023-24 MAD exhibition, *Sculpting the Senses*. This experience fueled her understanding of the museum’s profound impact on the world of art and design, further solidifying the importance of this exhibition.
“Louvre Couture” offers a captivating exploration of the enduring legacy of haute couture, juxtaposed against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic museums.
iris Van Herpen: Finding Inspiration in the Louvre
Iris Van Herpen, a renowned Dutch couturier, draws inspiration from the most unlikely of places: the hallowed halls of the Louvre Museum. Her designs, often described as architectural and ethereal, reflect a deep thankfulness for the stories, symbolism, and devotion woven into the museum’s vast collection.
The connection between Van Herpen’s creations and the Louvre is particularly evident in her spring-summer 2012 haute couture Cathedral dress.Van Herpen immersed herself in the intricate details of Gothic cathedrals and the relics housed within the Louvre, weaving these elements into a breathtaking ensemble that transcends the boundaries of fashion.
“The galleries show a tapestry of stories, symbolism, and devotion where I completely get lost in time,” Van Herpen told *Harper’s Bazaar*.”Experiencing the collection is like seeing the full spectrum of human emotion that is embodied in all the artworks; from despair and oppression to ecstasy and transcendence.”
This artistic dialogue between fashion and art extends beyond Van Herpen’s work. Other designers have also found inspiration in the Louvre’s treasures. Karl Lagerfeld, such as, drew upon an 18th-century chest of drawers by mathieu Criaerd from the Louvre’s collection to create a stunning jacket for Chanel’s spring-summer 2019 haute couture collection. The jacket’s Lesage embroidery perfectly replicated the intricate blue and white pattern adorning the antique masterpiece.
“The [Louvre’s] galleries show a tapestry of stories, symbolism, and devotion where I completely get lost in time,” Van Herpen says, highlighting the profound impact the louvre has on her creative process.
The Louvre, a repository of human history and artistic expression, continues to inspire designers like Iris Van Herpen, pushing the boundaries of fashion and blurring the lines between art and wearability.
The Louvre’s Unexpected Fashion Exhibit: Where Haute Couture Meets history
The Louvre, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, has recently surprised audiences by welcoming the world of fashion into its hallowed halls. A groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the intersection of art, design, and history has captured the imagination of visitors and critics alike, proving that the museum’s influence extends far beyond the realm of traditional art forms.
Curated by the Louvre’s Jean-François Gabet, the exhibition showcases a unique collection of garments and accessories from renowned designers.gabet, who refers to featured designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Iris van Herpen as “real connoisseurs of museums and the Louvre,” has not only brought fashion to the forefront of the museum’s narrative but also highlighted the deep connections between different artistic disciplines.
One such designer who embodies this connection is Christian Louboutin, the acclaimed footwear creator known for his signature red-soled shoes and luxurious handbags. His work, which graces the exhibition’s displays, reflects the profound influence that the Louvre has had on his creative journey. “As a Frenchman, it is indeed truly an honor to have some of my works displayed at the most famous museum in the world,” Louboutin shared, adding that the Louvre has served as “an endless source of inspiration” for him. The designer finds solace in frequent visits to the museum, choosing to limit his exploration to “less than an hour, exploring one, two, or three rooms at a time before leaving. It’s just enough to recharge without feeling overwhelmed.”
This captivating exhibition, which blurs the lines between art, history, and fashion, has ignited a spark of curiosity within the Louvre’s vast team of curators. Gabet expressed his hope that the success of this venture woudl inspire collaborations with other departments, possibilities that could expand the museum’s boundaries even further.
How does Iris Van Herpen’s use of architectural elements in her designs reflect the influence of the Louvre’s collection?
Iris Van Herpen: fashion’s Muse at the Louvre
The Louvre, a revered temple of art, has become the inspiration for fashion innovator iris Van Herpen. Her awe-inspiring designs, a testament to architectural artistry and ethereal beauty, find their roots in the museum’s captivating collections. We sat down with Van Herpen to delve deeper into her unique creative journey intertwined with the Louvre’s iconic halls.
An Enchanting Dialogue: Fashion and Art at the Louvre
Q: Yoru designs frequently enough showcase an inspiring blend of art, architecture, and fashion. How does the Louvre Museum, with its rich artistic lineage, influence your creative vision?
A: The Louvre is more than just a museum; its a tapestry woven with stories, symbolism, and devotion. Each masterpiece whispers secrets, each detail ignites a spark of inspiration. Immersing myself in this timeless world allows me to transcend the boundaries of fashion and explore new realms of creativity.
Cathedral of Couture: A Bridge Between Art and Garments
Q: Your spring-summer 2012 haute couture “Cathedral” dress is a stunning exmaple of this connection. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this groundbreaking creation?
A: The Gothic cathedrals, with their soaring structures and intricate details, have always captivated me. I wanted to embody that ethereal grandeur in a garment. Exploring the relics and artworks housed within the Louvre’s collection allowed me to delve deeper into the symbolism and history behind these architectural marvels, translating those emotions into the very essence of the dress.
Linking History and Fashion: A Lasting Legacy
Q: The Louvre and fashion – an unlikely pairing that has proven to be a powerful synergy. What do you hope visitors take away from this exciting intersection of art and design?
A: I hope that visitors will see beyond conventional boundaries and discover the inherent connections between art forms. Fashion is not just about clothing; it’s a powerful medium for storytelling, expression, and evoking emotions. The Louvre, with its timeless treasures, provides the perfect backdrop to explore these themes in a truly immersive way.
