Fine art and haute couture mingle at the Louvre

Olivier Gabet was still awestruck: “I’ve walked past it 100 times and it still fascinates me just as much,” said the director of the Louvre Museum’s decorative art department. “It” is a long, armor-like gown, complete with a breastplate and shoulder pads, designed in 3D and made of chromed resin. It was presented at Balenciaga’s haute couture show in July 2023, and caused quite a sensation.

Today, this dress, which Gabet said was “more comfortable than it looks, thanks to an interior lined with flocked fabric,” is on display on the second floor of the Louvre’s Richelieu wing, in a room dedicated to military objects (swords, helmets, etc.). Next to it sits a very real piece of 16^th-century armor, made of steel, brass and leather, said to have been worn by Henri II. Visitors can observe one, then the other, and notice the differences, of course, but also the similarities, the echoes in their silhouettes.

Since January 24, many such pairings of antique objects and fashion creations have been on display in the Paris museum. Until July 21, the exhibition “Louvre Couture. Art and fashion: statement pieces,” a journey through the 8,000 square meters of the decorative arts department, exploring a dialogue between the museum’s collections and some 100 silhouettes and accessories on loan from 45 luxury fashion houses and designers.

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