Paris is the mecca of fashion. Not just because it's the most influential fashion capital in the world. Not just because it's home to
haute couture. And not just because it's where many of the world's biggest designer brands operate. But also because the city itself has a deep appreciation for fashion. Beyond the couture ateliers and bustling shopping districts, even the city's many museums highlight the artistry, history, and importance of the craft and the industry. Any fashion lover would love places like Palais Galliera, La Galerie Dior, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, and Le19M. These are some of the best museums to truly learn and appreciate fashion.
Palais Galliera
Out of all the museums in Paris, Palais Galliera is the ultimate destination for fashion lovers. Its full name, “Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris,” says it all! Located on Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbi in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, you can say that it's the main fashion museum in the city. As this list shows, there are many other museums in Paris that showcase their own takes on fashion and its impact on human society over the years. But this is the one that truly embraces that purpose. Beyond its own collection of priceless and historic pieces, Palais Galliera also holds various exhibitions related to fashion and art.
Source: Palais Galliera, musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris Facebook Page
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
While Palais Galliera is the “main” fashion museum in Paris, Musée des Arts Décoratifs is arguably the most famous. After all, it's technically part of the Louvre, the world's most iconic museum. Though people mostly know of the “Mona Lisa” and other beloved
displays in the Louvre, this specific gallery is housed in the most north-western wing. And with how it displays its pieces of haute couture history, you'd think these were works made by Da Vinci or Michelangelo! Here, you'll find many designs made by some of the beloved French couturiers of the past and present.
Source: © MAD, Paris / Luc Boegly
The Louvre
Speaking of the Louvre, fashion lovers will find a lot of inspiration in this global mecca of fine arts too. Though the main galleries mostly show artworks and artifacts, they have constantly inspired big-named designers over the years. Take some of its beloved sculptures, for example. “Venus de Milo” and the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” show off exquisite drapery, the kind you'd see on a Madame Grès dress or a Givenchy gown. The rich colors in “Liberty Leading the People,” on the other hand, have no doubt influenced some of fashion's most famous colorists like Yves Saint Laurent.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cité de la Mode et du Design
Cité de la Mode et du Design isn't technically a museum. At least, not in the vein of the galleries mentioned so far. Located on Quai d'Austerlitz in the
13th arrondissement, it's more of a storehouse and school campus than a standard museum. Ever since it first opened back in 2010, this architectural marvel has housed IFM Paris (Institut Français de la Mode), one of the
finest fashion schools in Paris. Nevertheless, they still do hold exhibitions every now and then. Some of them are even the most fascinating retrospectives in terms of truly getting to know fashion as both a craft and an industry.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Arthur Weidmann
La Galerie Dior
By its name alone, you can already tell what sort of fashion lover will appreciate La Galerie Dior. Although it opened fairly recently, this magical museum has become one of the top must-sees for any fashion lover in Paris. Specifically, a lover of Christian Dior, one of the most historic couturiers who ever lived. His revolutionary “New Look” in 1947 changed fashion forever. And now, you can celebrate the
haute couture house's legendary legacy which is housed in a gorgeous mansion on Avenue Montaigne. Not only does it show the dresses Mr. Dior himself designed, but it also shows the works of his prolific successors: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Source: La Galerie Dior
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Speaking of Yves Saint Laurent, the French designer also has his own museum on Avenue Marceau. He was introduced to the world as Christian Dior's successor and worked for the couture house until he eventually left in 1960. From then on, he started his own label, eventually changing fashion through his most revolutionary designs. Who could ever forget about his “Le Smoking” suit from 1966? Or his safari look from 1968? And let's not leave out his infamous “Opéras - Ballets Russes” collection from 1976! These and many more started new trends, introduced new looks, and changed the way women dressed forever.
Source: Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Facebook Page
Le19M
And finally, there's Le19M. Or more specifically, the La Galerie du 19M on Place Skanderbeg in the
19th arrondissement. Technically speaking, Le19M is more of a cultural hall than a standard fashion museum. This architectural marvel hosts many events, holds many exhibitions, and more. But its in-house gallery, La Galerie du 19M, is where you'll find all the fashion. Specifically, the exquisite craftsmanship that has helped French luxury labels turn into global retail empires. Beyond the usual haute couture, this gallery highlights the intricate artistry of these brands' many expensive items. Be it jewelry, leather goods, and beyond!
Source: Le19M Facebook Page
If you're a fashion lover, you'll also love going to these amazing museums! They present the best of the best in fashion history, from the most beautiful time periods to the most prolific designers who ever worked in haute couture.
