The fashion capital of the world isn’t shy about putting la mode into museums and galleries…



It always seems to be Fashion Week in Paris, or there’s a fashion trade fair going on. Or there’s a model walking down the street. Or your being invited to the lauch party of this perfume or that champagne. It can be very tiring. 😉

But if you never tire of fashion, Paris is definitely the place to pose and shop, shop and pose, leaving just enough time for an exhibition or two. And you’re in luck! We have not one, but two fashion museums in the city, as well as numerous other fashion-related exhibitions. There’s just no escaping it!

Here’s our round-up of the big names currently (or soon) showing their exquisite creations. Get ready to make suitably appreciative cooing noises…

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has hooked up with printer people Canon, roped in the Red Cross to give it a non-commercial spin, and created a set of clothes. In fact, people from 17 different countries have taken pictures of where they live and uploaded them to the web. The best were then chosen by Castelbajac and integrated into 6 dresses. These, as well as the best photos, are being shown at the W Gallery, 44 rue Lepic (18th arrondissement) until the 14th October 2007. A limited edition handbag (300 only) is also on sale for 100 euros at Castelbajac’s shop at 10 rue de Vauvilliers (1st arrondissement) and Galeries Lafayette Haussman, with the proceeds being given to the Red Cross.

John Galliano

John Galliano has created the costumes for part of a new exhibition called Diaspora at the Musée du Quai Branly, curated by filmmaker Claire Denis. The “sensorial exhibition” tells the story (or rather stories) of people who have left Africa, through various film installations. The museum is also inviting people to share their experience of the exhibition in a “digital catalogue“, where you can post your own films. Check out the trailer for the exhibition here. The exhibition is on now until 6th January 2008.

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent may now be over 70 years old and retired from the fashion world, but it would wrong to forget the incredible influence he had during his career. A new exhibition at the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent (5 avenue Marceau, 16th arrondissement) shows a selection of his creations for the cinema, theatre and ballet, and runs until 27th January 2008. Did you know that he designed dresses for Claudia Cardinale in The Pink Panther? No, neither did I.

Christian Lacroix

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs(107 rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement) is the setting for the new exhibition curated by Christian Lacroix. From 8th November 2007 to 27th April 2008, rather than just show off his own creations, M. Lacroix has been allowed to search through the museums exhibits and create his own project. It took him a year to pick out the costumes and accessories, so it should be an interesting collection to see…

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