DASSARIS Editorial series: Art of Luxury
The Louvre, Paris's iconic museum, has always been synonymous with art, history, and culture. Yet, with is groundbreaking exhibition "Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion - Statement Pieces", the institution is redefining its role in the creative world. Opening on January 24 and running through July 21, this first-of-its-kind showcase reveals how art history influences contemporary fashion, providing that museums are indeed the ultimate mood boards for designers.
Curated by Olivier Gabet, director of Louvre's decorative arts department, the exhibition blurs the boundaries between historical treasures and fashion. Featuring 65 ensembles and 35 accessories from 45 renowned designers and heritage houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Alexander McQueen, the display connects centuries-old artifacts with modern-day couture.
From History to Haute Couture
"Art history is also a history of style, shape, and materials", Gabet remarks. This philosophy is palpable throughout the exhibition, where Byzantine jewelry, Renaissance tapestries, and Second French Empire decorative objects sit alongside avant-garde designs by Iris Van Harpen, Vivienne Westwood, and Mugler.
Take, for example, JW Anderson's viral resin pigeon clutch. Nestled near a 13-th century Eucharistic dove made from brass and Limoges enamel, the juxtaposition visitors to see the past and present in dialogue. Similarly, a fall 2004 Dior gown by John Galliano, with its regal red velvet train, echoes the upholstered grandeur of Napoleon III apartments.
A Chanel necklace and cuff bracelets exude Byzantine elegance, displayed amidst religious relics. Meanwhile, Christian Louboutin's studded "dungeon" boots trace their inspiration not to modern S&M culture, but to the craftsmanship of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
Fashion as a Bridge Between Eras
Gabet emphasizes that the exhibition is not an attempt to attract more visitors - after all, the Louvre already draws 9 million annually - but to enhance the museum experience. "The presence of fashion in the galleries brings fresh air and a new life to the historic objects", Gabet explains.
By placing these contemporary pieces amidst 100,000 square feet of decorative arts holdings, the exhibition invites viewers to explore unexpected connections. Whether spotting Bambi motifs on a Jean-Charles de Castelbajac skirt suit near a 16th-century hunting tapestry or admiring a silver gown by Azzedine Alaia standing sentinel among Renaissance bronzes, visitors are encouraged to create their own narratives.
The Art of Influence
The exhibition's journey also highlights the way designers draw from the Louvre's treasures. Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld famously referenced an 18th-century chest drawers in his final haute couture collection, while Christian Dior's Spring 1949 silk dress bears the museum's name.
Nathalie Crinière, the set designer, enhances the dialogue between past and present with silvery platforms and display cases that subtly distinguish the fashion pieces without overshadowing the historic artifacts.
As Gabet notes, "We have no fashion in our collection, but fashion is everywhere". From suits of armor and stained glass to ceramics and scientific instruments, the Louvre's permanent collection serves as a constant source of inspiration for the fashion world.
A Journey of Discovery
For the modern visitor, "Louvre Couture" is more than an exhibition - it's an invitation to reimagine the role of art and fashion in shaping culture. With its mix of opulence, craftsmanship, and innovation, the showcase bridges centuries and celebrates the enduring influence of the past on the creative vision of today.
Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or an art lover, this exhibition promises an unforgettable exploration of style and history.
Discover More on DASSARIS. At DASSARIS, we explore the fascinating intersections of art, culture, and luxury. Dive into our Art of Luxury series to uncover more stories about how history inspired the world's most iconic creations. From fashion exhibitions at the Louvre to the timeless legacies of legendary designers, join us in celebrating the beauty of the past and the creativity of the present.
