The Louvre, a bastion of art history, has boldly stepped into the realm of haute couture with its first major fashion exhibition, “Louvre Couture: Art Objects, Fashion Objects.” This groundbreaking display, open until July 21st, transforms the museum’s Richelieu wing into a sprawling, 9,000-square-meter fashion mood board, showcasing a dazzling dialogue between iconic garments and centuries of artistic heritage.
Forget dusty relics and hushed halls. “Louvre Couture” pulsates with vibrant creativity, juxtaposing the visionary designs of 45 creators, from the 1960s to today, with masterpieces from the Louvre’s own collection. Imagine Alexander McQueen’s gravity-defying Platform Armadillo shoes sharing space with 18th-century furniture, or Karl Lagerfeld’s final Chanel creations whispering secrets to ancient pottery. This isn’t just a display; it’s a conversation across time and mediums.
Curated by Olivier Gabet, director of the decorative arts department, the exhibition seamlessly blends over 70 garments, sourced from rare loans and prestigious fashion archives, with paintings, furniture, and decorative objects spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Gabet, speaking to Vogue, emphasized the importance of incorporating fashion into the Louvre’s contemporary programming, recognizing it as “a major means of artistic expression today.” He astutely points out that even at haute couture’s most extravagant heights, fashion remains deeply intertwined with popular and visual culture, offering a unique entry point for audiences to connect with the museum’s broader collection.
The exhibition highlights the symbiotic relationship between art and fashion. A Dolce & Gabbana dress, shimmering with crystal embroidery inspired by 11th-century mosaics, exemplifies this interplay. Elsewhere, Gianni Versace’s iconic 1997 metal mesh gown, a showstopper at the 2018 Met Gala’s “Heavenly Bodies” exhibition, finds a new context within the Louvre’s hallowed halls. From Jean Paul Gaultier’s rebellious spirit to John Galliano’s theatrical flair, from the timeless elegance of Chanel and Dior to the avant-garde visions of Erdem, Thom Browne, and Iris van Herpen, “Louvre Couture” presents a panorama of fashion’s most influential voices.
This is more than just a fashion exhibition; it’s an exploration of how art inspires fashion, and how fashion, in turn, reflects and refracts the world around us. For fashion aficionados and art lovers alike, a pilgrimage to the Louvre before July 21st is essential. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and utterly captivated.
