Louvre Couture: Where Art and Fashion Merge in Paris

Louvre Couture, the first-ever fashion exhibition at Paris’s iconic Louvre Museum, opens a new chapter in the crossroads between art and fashion.

The Inspiration Behind Louvre Couture

Olivier Gabet, Director of the Department of Decorative Arts at the Louvre, curated this groundbreaking exhibition titled Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion: Statement Pieces. While the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibitions are well-known, Gabet emphasizes the unique connection needed to tie fashion to the Louvre’s rich collection. “We aim to explore new ideas, but they must be relevant to our heritage,” he says.

Exhibition Scope and Highlights

Louvre Couture showcases 45 renowned fashion brands and designers within the 9,000-square-meter Department of Decorative Arts galleries. The exhibition features an array of international designers, including Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Prada, Erdem, and Marine Serre, among others. Their creations are inspired by historical artworks, from ancient tapestries to intricate period rooms.

The Impact of Fashion in Museums

American designer and CFDA Chairman Thom Browne underscores the critical role museums play in elevating fashion. “It’s vital to exhibit fashion at international institutions, making it accessible to a wider audience,” he notes. Browne’s spring-summer 2020 ensembles, which echo 18th-century panniers, are on display, accompanied by_REGency-era paintings in the Louvre’s Isaac de Camondo period room.

Curation Challenges and Opportunities

Selecting nearly 100 garments from fashion houses required careful consideration, balancing historical accuracy with contemporary trends. Gabet explains, “Contemporary fashion has more room for innovation without the same restrictions as historical pieces.” The exhibition includes everything from haute couture to modern designs, showing fashion’s diverse landscape.

A look by Balenciaga

Connecting Younger Audiences

Gabet aims to bridge the gap between classical art and modern audiences. Fashion’s universal appeal can demystify the Louvre’s elaborate decorative objects, making them more relatable to younger visitors. His strategy revolves around creating an approachable experience that resonates with diverse tastes.

Fashion’s Place in Art Museums

Far from a simple gesture to boost visitor numbers, Louvre Couture offers an invaluable experience for both curators and visitors. Gabet and Director Laurence des Cars share a shared passion for fashion’s intersection with art, which they hope to further explore through exhibitions.

Looks by Duro Olowu and Loewe

Inspiration from the Louvre

Many designers featured in Louvre Couture draw direct inspiration from the museum’s collections. Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel jacket, for example, references an 18th-century chest of drawers from the Louvre, showcasing the intricate relationships between historical art and modern fashion.

Iris Van Herpen’s Personal Connection

Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen speaks to the emotional connection she feels with the Louvre. Her Cathedral dress, inspired