STITCHING HISTORY: MUST-SEE FASHION MUSEUMS
Fashion in Paris has its roots in the 1670s with the founding of the Paris fashion journal, which has become a significant aspect of the city's culture and tradition. Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, is frequently credited with inspiring the French to cultivate their world-renowned sense of style. With Paris Fashion Week here, we’ve highlighted some must-visit museums for fashion lovers, sharing why we adore them along with a bit of their history.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, adjacent to the Louvre, is dedicated to design, fashion, and jewelry. Located in Paris's 1st arrondissement in the Pavillon de Marsan, it is continental Europe's largest decorative arts museum. Established in 1905 by the Union des Arts Décoratifs and designed by Gaston Redon, it houses around one million objects. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to today, featuring French furniture, porcelain, tapestries, and works by artists such as René Lalique and Émile Gallé. It includes notable pieces in Art Nouveau and Art Déco styles, as well as modern works by designers like Eileen Gray and Charlotte Perriand.
Founded in 2012 with Van Cleef & Arpels' support, L'École, School of Jewelry Arts, offers a program focused on savoir-faire, jewelry history, and gemstones. Although not couture-centric, it highlights exquisite jewelry art. Originating in 1864, the jewelry school has expanded its curriculum to include enameling and chiseling, evolving with new technologies. Since 2002, renowned brands like Cartier and Dior have sponsored its classes. The school promotes jewelry trades and unites various disciplines within a globally recognized luxury industry, including designers, goldsmiths, and diamond dealers.
Azzedine Alaïa was a historian and collector of fashion masters. The Azzedine Alaïa Foundation preserves his vast private collection, including garments, accessories, and sketches. Inspired by Cristóbal Balenciaga's craftsmanship, Alaïa began collecting fashion pieces in the late 1960s, amassing works by designers such as Chanel, Poiret, and Balenciaga. His collection, now part of the Foundation, is one of the most significant in the fashion world, featuring pieces alongside Alaïa’s own creations.
Located on Avenue Montaigne, La Galerie Dior captures why Dior is the "Designer of Dreams." This museum showcases Dior's visionary elegance and timeless beauty, making it a must-see for fashion enthusiasts. With a scenographic narrative by Nathalie Crinière, it explores the history of Dior's haute couture, beauty, and perfume. Featuring original sketches, archival documents, and iconic designs, La Galerie Dior highlights the house's inspirations, from gardens to grand balls, and reflects its influence on contemporary fashion.
Palais Galliera is a premier fashion museum showcasing couture and photography. It became the Musée de la Mode et du Costume in 1977 and joined the Musées de la Ville de Paris. The museum has expanded its collections and undergone significant renovations, reopening in 2013 under Olivier Saillard. With CHANEL's support, the "Salles Gabrielle Chanel" galleries opened in 2020. Now known as the Palais Galliera, the museum continues to celebrate fashion history and contemporary design.
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, located at 5 avenue Marceau, opened on October 3, 2017, in the couturier’s former haute couture house. The museum showcases themed temporary exhibitions of Saint Laurent’s work, highlighting his creativity and the haute couture process. Designed by Nathalie Crinière and Jacques Grange, the exhibition spaces recreate the atmosphere of the original couture house, providing insights into 20th-century fashion and the traditions of haute couture. It was the first museum of its kind dedicated to a 20th-century couturier in Paris.