Paris rivals New York with a glamorous gala, celebrating the Louvre’s first-ever fashion exhibition and raising funds for museum initiatives
Paris is determined to rival New York, not only through its fashion exhibitions but also by hosting the prestigious celebrations that come with them. While New York prepares for its much-anticipated annual Met Gala, scheduled for the first Monday in May as is customary and marking the debut of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the spring 2025 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, Paris is asserting its own cultural grandeur.
The Louvre Museum has unveiled a new chapter in its history with its first-ever exhibition devoted entirely to fashion, exploring its sources and inspirations, titled “LOUVRE COUTURE: Art and Fashion – Statement Pieces”. Opening on January 24 and running until July 21, 2025, the exhibition is integrated into the museum’s permanent collections. It engages in a dialogue with notable works from the Louvre’s Department of Decorative Arts, featuring over sixty exceptional pieces and thirty accessories displayed along a unique circuit that includes some of the world’s most impressive decorative art objects.
The Louvre Museum has unveiled a new chapter in its history with its first-ever exhibition devoted entirely to fashion, exploring its sources and inspirations, titled “LOUVRE COUTURE: Art and Fashion – Statement Pieces”. Photo by Nicolas Bousser. Courtesy of the Louvre
In a nod to New York’s celebratory style, Paris will also mark the exhibition’s opening with a highly anticipated soirée on the evening of March 4 —Le Grand Dîner du Louvre—an event already drawing comparisons and dubbed as the French Met Gala.
The First Louvre Fashion Exhibition
The “LOUVRE COUTURE: Art and Fashion – Statement Pieces” exhibition, curated by Olivier Gabet, opened this January and features iconic pieces from major international fashion houses, including Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga and Chanel.
Covering an area of 9,000 square metres within the galleries and rooms of the Decorative Arts department, the exhibition highlights the artistry and creativity of luxury fashion while exploring the dialogue between fashion and art from Byzantium to the Second Empire. Each fashion piece on display is a testament to the expertise of its creator, with many items loaned directly from prestigious private collections and luxury houses.
The Louvre Museum has unveiled a new chapter in its history with its first-ever exhibition devoted entirely to fashion, exploring its sources and inspirations, titled “LOUVRE COUTURE: Art and Fashion – Statement Pieces”. Photo by Nicolas Bousser. Courtesy of the Louvre
As the Louvre’s first-ever fashion exhibition, it will run until the early weeks of the summer season, closing on July 21, offering visitors a unique perspective on how the arts have influenced fashion and vice versa. Curated panels and interactive installations accompany the displays, delving into the themes of sustainability and originality in the fashion industry.
What to Expect from Le Grand Dîner du Louvre, aka the French Met Gala
During Paris Fashion Week, which is dedicated to Fall-Winter 2025/26 women’s collections, , “Le Grand Dîner du Louvre” will take place on March 4 at the Cour Marly. This extraordinary space inside the museum is adorned with works of art and sculptures, including the famous 18th-century Horses of Marly, which lend the venue its name. The evening will feature a reception, an exclusive tour and a gala dinner, concluding with an after-party beneath the iconic Louvre Pyramid.
Sponsored by Visa Infinite, this glamorous event will bring together top fashion houses and designers to raise funds for the museum’s initiatives. Similar to the Met Gala, the Louvre aims to generate funding to invest in cultural activities, conservation projects, exhibitions and educational programmes.
The Louvre Museum has unveiled a new chapter in its history with its first-ever exhibition devoted entirely to fashion, exploring its sources and inspirations, titled “LOUVRE COUTURE: Art and Fashion – Statement Pieces”. Photo by Nicolas Bousser. Courtesy of the Louvre
With more than 30 tables sold, surpassing the fundraising target of €1 million, the initiative has met its goal. This enthusiastic support from the fashion community suggests a promising future for “Le Grand Dîner du Louvre,” indicating that it could become a regular highlight on Parisian social and fashion calendars for years to come.
The Guest List
The exclusive Le Grand Dîner du Louvre will host 300 carefully selected guests, creating a diverse mix of fashion enthusiasts, patrons, and influential figures. While specific names have yet to be confirmed, industry heavyweights such as Simon Porte Jacquemus and Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing, are rumoured to attend, along with renowned actors, musicians, Internet personalities like Alexa Chung, and multi-talented creatives such as Pharrell Williams.
Victoria Cristina Teixeira Silva
Master in Fashion Promotion, Communication & Digital Media, Paris