La mode en mouvement [‘Fashion in Motion’],at Palais Galliera June 16- September 7th

Dear Shaded Viewers,

La mode en mouvement takes a chronological approach, showcasing approximately 200 works that span from the 18th century to the present day. It explores the history of fashion through the collections of the museum while also delving into the theme of the body in motion.

In conjunction with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Palais Galliera investigates the role of clothing in physical and sporting activities, examining its connection to the body, movement, and the social implications of its evolution.

The exhibition juxtaposes garments designed for physical and sporting activities with everyday clothing, fostering a dialogue that sheds light on the specialization of sportswear, the adaptation of women’s clothing for physical pursuits in the late 19th century, the influence of men’s fashion on women’s attire, and the integration of sportswear into everyday life.

Through showcasing the changing portrayal of the body, particularly the athletic physique, and its accentuation through clothing, the exhibition aims to demonstrate how the liberation of the body through physical activity has contributed to shifts in mentalities and beauty standards. Items such as swimming costumes, cycling outfits, side-saddle habits, motoring coats and accessories, jogging suits, and sneakers reflect the diverse silhouettes that have emerged over three centuries of fashion history.

The exhibition has been enriched by notable loans from esteemed institutions and collections, including the Musée national du Sport (Nice), the Bibliothèque Forney (Paris), Patrimoine CHANEL, the Emile Hermès Collection, Rykiel Creation, and Maison Yohji Yamamoto. These loaned items provide additional perspectives on attitudes towards physical exercise and sports throughout different periods, whether in competitive or leisure contexts.

Due to the need for preventive conservation, the exhibition will be presented in three successive displays, with each display requiring a five-week closure. This approach allows for the replacement of many items, offering visitors the opportunity to return and discover more from the Palais Galliera’s vast collections.

Colors of Fashion: A Glimpse into 1920s Style

Starting from June 16, 2023, and running until March 15, 2024, the Palais Galliera will host an exhibition titled “Les couleurs de la mode” (Colors of Fashion). This exhibition showcases a collection of autochromes from the Musée des Arts et Métiers (CNAM, Paris) and extends the ongoing collections exhibition in the Galerie Courbe on the garden floor.

The featured autochromes are extraordinary images that were originally created to celebrate French luxury during a unique event called the Salon du Goût Français, which took place from 1921 to 1923 in Paris. What set this exhibition apart was its innovative presentation: the autochromes were displayed as ephemeral works, backlit to create a mesmerizing effect reminiscent of stained glass windows in a cathedral.

At the Palais Galliera, these previously unpublished color photographs offer us a fresh glimpse into the fashion of the early 1920s. Around one hundred images have been meticulously reproduced, allowing visitors to experience the subtle color palette of the autochromes alongside costumes, accessories, and historical documents from the museum’s collection. Rather than the original artifacts, facsimiles are presented, ensuring the preservation of the precious originals.

By exploring these autochromes, visitors can gain a new perspective on the vibrant world of 1920s fashion and immerse themselves in the artistic and cultural atmosphere of that era. The exhibition provides an intimate encounter with the essence of the time, captivating viewers with its evocative portrayal of the interplay between color, style, and history.