Palais Galliera Presents: Fashion in Motion

Among the silent galleries of Palais Galliera, in the heart of Paris, an exhibition unfolds that is nothing short of a ballet of fabrics and memories. “Fashion in Motion” immerses the visitor in a fascinating exploration of clothing and its evolution, from the opulent salons of the 18th century to contemporary runways. The 250 new works presented in this second hanging tell a moving and dynamic story, that of the body in motion and the fashion that adapts to it.

One could begin this museum stroll with the aristocratic attire of the 18th century, where every fold, every embroidery speaks of a time when fashion was above all a matter of social distinction. The tightly laced corsets and voluminous dresses testify to an era where appearance mattered more than comfort, but where clothing already began to evolve to adapt to freer movements of its wearers.

As one progresses, the visitor discovers a section dedicated to sportswear, a domain once reserved for the elite but which has gradually infiltrated all levels of society. Riding, tennis, golf, bicycling: each discipline has influenced urban fashion, introducing sportswear into daily wardrobes. This transformation is palpable in the exhibited pieces, where elegance marries functionality.

With the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics as a backdrop, the exhibition also questions the role of clothing in sports practice and its social implications. The progressive specialization of sportswear, revealed through pieces of rare finesse, reminds us how clothing mirrors social and cultural changes. Swimwear, for instance, with its bathing suits and beach accessories, symbolizes the democratization of sports practice from the late 19th century. These pieces, rarely shown to the public, reveal a fascinating evolution of the relationship with the body and modesty.

“Fashion in Motion” benefits from exceptional loans from major institutions and prestigious collections. The National Sports Museum, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, the Forney Library, and many others have contributed unique works to enrich this exhibition. The CHANEL heritage, the Émile Hermès collection, and the house of Yohji Yamamoto, offer an enriching perspective on physical and sports practices throughout the ages.

Silhouettes, outfits, accessories, posters, photographs, and audiovisual documents complete this journey through the centuries. Each piece, each detail, tells a story, that of a fashion in perpetual transformation, guided by the movements of those who wear it.

Thus, “Fashion in Motion” is an invitation to discover, understand, and appreciate how clothing has evolved, influenced by the movements of body and mind through the ages. An experience that reminds us that fashion is much more than a mere fabric: it is the living expression of our shared history.