In this week’s blog, contributor Judith Hepner takes us to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris for a fascinating exhibition, "Mode et Sport, D’un Podium à L’Autre”, to continue our exploration of fashion’s intersection with sports.
As we await the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) is staging a captivating exhibit that delves into the relationship between fashion and sports through history to the present time. “Mode et Sport, D’un Podium à L’Autre” is showcased in the spacious and airy nave of the museum and is an essential destination for anyone interested in the stylish interplay between fashion and sports. This energetic exhibition does more than just showcase sportswear's aesthetic and practical appeal; it dives into the cultural impact of athletic attire, spotlighting its influential role in sculpting the trends of modern fashion with flair and finesse.
Running now until April 7, 2024, "Mode et Sport, D’un Podium à L’Autre" presents an extensive collection of over 400 items. The retrospective masterfully illustrates the changes in sportswear with a focus on legendary designs by creatives including Coco Chanel (1883-1971), Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973), and Jeanne Lanvin (1867-1946). The transformation of designs in sportswear for activities like cricket, tennis, golf, and equestrian sports significantly influences modern fashion trends. For instance, René Lacoste (1904-1996) designed his famous tennis shirt in the 1920s and later founded his namesake sportswear brand with the alligator logo in the 1930s. The connection between sport and fashion is brilliantly showcased in multiple displays of clothing and accessories and highlighted with photographs and sketches, magazines and posters, as well as paintings and videos.
The exposition takes us on a journey as we observe the progression of sportswear designs, transitioning from specialty items such as knit swim costumes to the liberated 'itsy bitsy bikini,' and more recently, to comfortable athleisure and performance fitness gear.
The installation features the transformation of items like joggers and sneakers from athletic essentials to streetwear staples, ultimately becoming fashion must-haves favored in both everyday attire and high fashion. Many contemporary luxury brands now include high-priced running shoes in their collections, frequently collaborating with athletic wear manufacturers and sports icons to meet their fashion customers' demand for exclusive, high-performance products.
As part of the “Cultural Olympiad” celebrating the 2024 games in Paris, art and sporting culture are fêted in exhibitions, theatres, and public spaces. Excellence, cultural diversity, and inclusion are honored in the vibrant display at "Mode et Sport, D’un Podium à L’Autre”.
To visit the first of Judith's exploration of Parisian exhibitions exploring sport and fashion, visit her previous blog post.
