EXHIBITION – LOUVRE COUTURE

The “Louvre Couture” exhibition, which punctuates the rooms of the Richelieu wing of the immense museum, illustrates the ongoing dialogue between fashion and art history. Indeed, the great fashion houses have constantly drawn their inspiration from historical aesthetics, more or less ancient.

Sixty-five contemporary silhouettes from contemporary haute couture are scattered throughout the rooms, in which old fabrics echo modern fabrics. This dialogue highlights the commonality of methods, techniques and know-how between yesterday and today – it also highlights the continuity of a culture irrigated by common references.

Chanel plays on the shimmering red and gold so dear to the Second Empire. Balenciaga draws inspiration from the rigidity of armor to create an armor-dress. The Renaissance inspires Dior, Chanel and Fendi as much, albeit in different ways. Saint Laurent, Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, Chanel draw different inspirations from the end of the 18th century, whether it be fabrics, tapestries or lacquers.