5 fashion exhibitions to visit in Paris this summer

Who said summer in Paris was boring and there was nothing to do? On the eve of the launch of the Olympic Games, which kick off this Friday 26th, the museums and institutions of France's fashion capital are bursting with exhibitions of all kinds to satisfy the less sporty city dwellers. With Monet's water lilies always on show at the Musée de l'Orangerie, and temporary exhibitions such as Matisse, l'atelier rouge, the exhibition on Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman, and La BD à tous les étages, retracing the history of comic strips, Paris is far from becoming insignificant.  As far as we're concerned, it's fashion that we are interested in, and as long as fashion is concerned, the City of Light is an expert . For Parisians tired of the usual Sunday strolls at the Louvre, here's a list of 5 must-see fashion exhibitions this summer. 

Transparency at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent

The first exhibition is at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and features, not surprisingly, the designer of the same name. Transparence - le pouvoir des matières focuses on the fabrics and materials used by Saint Laurent throughout his career, such as chiffon, lace and tulle. Following the success of Formes, the exhibition that showcased some of the French designer's most eccentric silhouettes, this new exhibition shifts the focus to the ever-changing, double-sided nature of transparent fabrics. It also tells the story of how, from the 60s onwards, the designer dared to think outside the fashion box, proposing innovative fabrics that were unconventional and little-used at the time. A choice that gave women of the time the opportunity to assert their sensuality (with lace, for example) while preserving their modesty. This outing celebrating the art of subtlety is open until August 25, 2024 at the museum located at 5 Avenue Marceau, free for children under 10, ranging from €7 to €10 for others. 

The 70s at BVH Marais

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, meanwhile, pays tribute to the famous German-born designer who changed the history of the Maison Chanel, and continues to leave his mark at Fendi and Balenciaga. The man with the pearly hair and the sunglasses, who needs no introduction, is honored in this exhibition opened to present the series of the same title, in which he is the main character. The free exhibition, nestled in the heart of the BHV Marais store, opens the doors to the behind-the-scenes world of the series released on Disney+ last June, giving visitors a close-up look at the backstage sets that brought it to life. Visitors are plunged into a retro-chic journey through the 70s, into the designer's chaotic little world of wild parties, devastating passions and, of course, fashion. The event takes place on the 5th floor of BVH 52 Rue de Rivoli, and runs until August 11, 2024. 

Lightness at the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa

The third concerns Azzedine Alaïa, whose talent is combined with the one of the Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata in an exhibition steeped in the history of the decorative arts and Japanese minimalism. Entitled La légèreté en création, the common thread running through the exhibition is non-materialization. Exploiting materials such as glass, acrylic, metal mesh and light, the artists bring to life an indestructible link between lightness and gravity. A careful selection of Alaïa's pieces has been chosen for the materials, shapes and approaches they share with the Japanese artist's creations. The lurex mesh of a simple dress meets the metallic mesh of a chair, while the transparent acrylic of a shelf echoes the light chiffon of an haute couture creation. It's an unexpected yet extremely satisfying marriage of garments and decorative pieces, almost making visitors want to remake their wardrobes to resemble their apartments. The exhibition is located at 18 rue de la Verrerie and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until January 12, 2025. 

Fashion, design and jewellery at Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Until November 17, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs will be presenting a collection of Haute Couture and prêt-à-porter pieces, ranging from haute joaillerie and costume jewelry to clothing by the greatest names in fashion. Located in the permanent galleries devoted to design from the 20th century to the present day, 30 fashion models and 100 pieces of jewelry from prestigious designers and fashion houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Dior, Lanvin and Balmain, will be exchanged with design personalities such as Ettore Sottsass, Ron Arad, Philippe Starck and the Campana brothers. A compendium of art and talent, suitable for both design and fashion enthusiasts. The tour lasts 1H30, is located at 107 Rue de Rivoli, and admission is free for under-26s and €15 for the full price.

Mouvement at Palais Galliera

Last but not least, this exposition blends perfectly into the sporting climate that the whole of Paris has been breathing for months now, in view of the arrival of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. La mode en mouvement, an exhibition presented by the Palais Galliera (located at 10, Avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie) until January 5, 2025 traces the history of fashion from the 18th century to the present day through the museum's collections, putting the body, its mobility and its relationship to clothing at the center of attention. Focusing on the role of clothing in sporting activities, the exhibition highlights the gradual improvement of sportswear, even as an everyday item of clothing, thanks to the development of sportswear. Other themes, such as women's independence and the refusal of clothing alienation, as well as the control of bodies and image, are addressed by the 200 items in the exhibition. An interesting chronological and historical tour in many respects.