In Paris, 3 exhibitions on fashion in the Age of Enlightenment

“Fashion of the 18th century. A fantasy heritage”

Palais Galliera, 10 avenue Pierre-I er -de-Serbie, Paris 16th century.
Until July 12, 2026.

Silhouettes, materials, patterns, 18th century fashion is a creative hubbub. The exhibition at the Palais Galliera, designed like a dressing room, bears witness to this.

As a welcome, the fashion reference museum unveils a sumptuous French dress inspired by the “rocaille” style imagined under Louis XV and defended by Madame de Pompadour. This creation opens a veritable ball across three centuries: English or Piedmontese dresses, evening or ceremonial dresses from the 19th century and accessories of all kinds, including mules, kerchiefs and mantlets.

If the silhouettes lengthen over time, the tones and patterns of the Enlightenment remain. As evidenced by “Solveig”, this evening dress featuring floral embroidery and tied ribbons, designed by Pierre Balmain during the fall-winter 1957-1958 fashion show.

Because the Age of Enlightenment, marked by love, nature and a certain taste for fun, still inspires contemporary haute couture, even if it is not the strong point of the exhibition. “18th century fashion is a refuge. It has this softness and lightness which is reassuring, translates Pascale Gorguet Ballesteros, curator of the exhibition. Today, we breathe its air more than we think. »

Alexandre Plumet