For the first time in its history, the Louvre is displaying haute couture gowns and accessories from iconic fashion houses such as Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Dior alongside its renowned decorative arts collections. This groundbreaking exhibition highlights the deep connection between Paris, the fashion industry, and the world’s most-visited museum.
Olivier Gabet, director of the museum’s decorative arts department, emphasized the significance of this moment, noting that while fashion houses have long used the Louvre’s grounds for runway shows, the museum itself has never before integrated high fashion into its exhibitions in this way.
“Paris is the capital of fashion, and the Louvre sits at its heart,” Gabet explained. “Fashion designers have always drawn inspiration from the museum’s vast collections, but now, for the first time, we are bringing fashion inside the museum itself.”
The exhibition places haute couture pieces within the context of historical art and design, creating striking visual dialogues. A 2006 silk ball gown by John Galliano for Dior takes center stage in a room dedicated to Louis XIV, surrounded by gilded furniture and grand portraits of the Sun King. Elsewhere, Alexander McQueen’s iconic 2011 Armadillo platform shoes are displayed beside a 17th-century plate depicting aquatic life, showcasing how contemporary fashion can mirror historical aesthetics.
The goal of this innovative curation is to encourage visitors to see the museum’s collections in a new light. “This exhibition invites people to explore the Louvre differently, drawing connections between fashion and history,” said Gabet.
As the home of the Mona Lisa and countless other priceless masterpieces, the Louvre remains one of the world’s most important cultural institutions. However, the museum has recently called for urgent government support to restore its aging exhibition halls and enhance preservation efforts for its vast collection. The integration of haute couture into its displays may mark a new chapter in how the museum engages with contemporary art and culture, further solidifying its status as a beacon of artistic innovation.
By bridging the worlds of fashion and fine art, this exhibition not only celebrates Paris’ influence on haute couture but also reinforces the Louvre’s enduring role in shaping global artistic conversations.
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