In this week’s blog, contributor Judith Hepner reviews "La Mode En Mouvement:” A Tripartite Fashion Exhibition at Palais Galliera in Paris.
In the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Galliera is currently hosting a fascinating exhibition titled "La Mode En Mouvement", curated by the gallery's curatorial team including Head of the Accessories Collections Marie-Laure Gutton. This retrospective is not just a display of fashion but a narrative that explores the interplay between fashion, physical activity, and the evolution of our views of beauty with the fit physique. Visitors view an extensive showcase, featuring over 200 works, taking a chronological tour through history to contemporary fashion. It uniquely ties in with the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
"La Mode En Mouvement” illuminates the dynamic progression of women's sportswear and its significant influence on cultural norms. Visitors can trace the roots of women’s athleticwear back to the late 19th century. It is a captivating tale that reflects the changing roles of women in society, charting their path toward increased liberation and empowerment. This showcase is not just about clothes; it is a celebration of resilience and the unstoppable spirit of self-expression through fashion.
In a seamless transition, the exhibit plunges into the world of fashion's portrayal of the athletic form, revealing its pivotal role in sculpting new beauty ideals and shifting societal perspectives. It is a colorful odyssey through the annals of fashion, parading an array from quaint vintage swimwear, including a 1907 woolen serge bathing costume, through the 1960s infatuation with literal and figurative freedom, to today’s sleek modern sportswear. This eclectic ensemble of garments knits together a three-century-spanning tale of fashion metamorphosis, offering a riveting peek into how fashion continually echoes and steers societal changes. Showcased are couture garments from renowned designers including an evening ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019) for Chanel in 1991, giving the spotlight to a sequined cocktail jacket worn with cotton and Lycra biking shorts.
Adding depth to the collection are exceptional loans from renowned institutions and collections including the Émile Hermès collection, Sonia Rykiel (1930-2016), and Musée National du Sport (Nice). These pieces complement the Palais Galliera's collection, illustrating the evolution of attire for both leisure and competitive physical activities.
An intriguing aspect of this display is its presentation in three distinct phases, each requiring a five-week closure for rehanging. This unique approach allows for a substantial renewal of the exhibits, offering visitors a fresh experience with each phase.
The dates for each installation are as follows:
Installation 1: June 16, 2023 - March 15, 2024
Installation 2: April 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Installation 3: February 8, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Palais Galliera
10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116 Paris
Tél : +33 01 56 52 86 00
Open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesdays through Sundays
The Exhibition is part of the Cultural Olympiad - Paris 2024.
'Les Couleurs de la Mode' closes at Palais Galliera this month. It was reviewed for the Costume Society blog last summer, which you can revisit here.
