Recommended
18th-Century Fashion: A Fantasised Heritage
- Palais Galliera, Paris
14 Mar - 12 Jul 2026
From€14.00
Recommended
From
€14.00
The exhibition Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Crafts and Trades of Fashion at the Palais Galliera offers a profound exploration of the meticulous artistry that defines French haute couture. Curated by Emilie Hammen, this inaugural installment of a trilogy dedicated to fashion professions shifts the spotlight from the designer's silhouette to the invisible hands of the artisans. By organizing the narrative around the universal and timeless floral motif, the curation reveals how the botanical world has served as a primary laboratory for technical innovation and aesthetic expression from the 18th century to the present day.
The showcase brings together over 350 works, creating a rich dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary creation. Key masterpieces on display include an 18th-century brocaded waistcoat, Chantilly lace, and Gabrielle Chanel’s iconic camellia, alongside avant-garde pieces such as a laser-printed design by Balenciaga and creations by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons. The exhibition pays a vibrant tribute to legendary Parisian ateliers like Lesage for embroidery, Lemarié for featherwork, and Hurel, while also introducing the work of emerging talents like Baqué Molinié and Aurélia Leblanc, illustrating the continuous transmission and reinvention of these precious skills.
Historically, the exhibition serves as a vital record of Paris's status as the global capital of savoir-faire. By presenting tools, textile samples, and graphic documents alongside finished garments, the Palais Galliera demystifies the complexity of textile ornamentation. Visitors are invited to engage with the physical reality of the craft through specialized displays and magnifying glasses, allowing for a close examination of the meticulous gestures—the darning, appliqué, and three-dimensional petal shaping—that elevate a simple fabric into a work of art.
The emotional resonance of the exhibition lies in its celebration of patience, precision, and passion. It fosters a deep appreciation for the unseen labor and the human element behind luxury, contrasting the slow, meditative rhythms of craftsmanship with the frenetic pace of modern fast fashion. Concluding in the museum’s renovated basement, the journey leaves the viewer with a sense of wonder at the collective memory held within each thread, reminding us that these decorative arts are not merely superficial additions, but the very soul of fashion’s enduring elegance.
Highlights
- Examine a rare 18th-century brocaded waistcoat that showcases the intricate floral motifs and relief techniques of the era.
- Admire Gabrielle Chanel’s iconic camellia, a masterpiece that honors the specialized artistry of artificial flower makers.
- Observe the precision of contemporary fashion through a cutting-edge laser print by Balenciaga.
- Discover the delicate craftsmanship of Chantilly lace, illustrating the time-intensive needle and bobbin skills of historic lacemakers.
- Use the provided magnifying glasses to closely study the meticulous gestures and complex textures of over 350 rare textile works.
- Explore an exquisite Lurex-woven printed dress designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons.
- View a stunning Chanel evening dress by Karl Lagerfeld from the Spring-Summer 2019 Haute Couture collection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Crafts & Trades of Fashion
Yes, access to 'Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing' is typically included in the museum's general admission ticket, which grants entry to all current exhibitions.
A complete tour of the collection, which features over 350 rare works, generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes.
Photography and filming for personal, non-commercial use are permitted, provided that you do not use flash, tripods, or selfie sticks to protect the delicate textiles.
Yes, the exhibition is open to all ages and provides a fascinating look at the craftsmanship behind fashion, though it is primarily a visual experience.
Yes, the Palais Galliera is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, and elevators are available to reach the different exhibition levels.
While tickets can be purchased on-site, it is highly recommended to book a timed entry slot online in advance to guarantee admission and avoid long queues.
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