From Paul Poiret To Rick Owens, Fashion Exhibitions In Paris

Forbes

4 days ago

Art installation by Rick Owens on the façade of the Palais Galliera in Paris, as part of the exhibition dedicated to Rick Owens. Photo by EMMA DA SILVA/AFP via Getty Images. AFP via Getty Images
Paris has always been a city of fashion and culture. Now, a handful of exhibitions in the City of Lights bridge these worlds together in wonderful ways. From the Louvre to the Palais Galliera, here are fashion exhibitions worth checking out if you're in Paris this summer to soak up inspiration.
The collection is shown at the Rick Owens exhibition press preview as part of Paris Men's Fashion Week held at the Palais Galliera on June 25, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dominque Maitre/WWD via Getty Images) WWD via Getty Images
Rick Owens is known for his architectural fashion design, his dark, otherworldy aesthetic, and for trailblazing a style only he could master. Owens, an influential American fashion designer who first founded his fashion label in 1994 (anbd based in Paris since 2003), has not had a Paris retrospective until now. His 'grunge-meets-glamor' aesthetic certainly has a cult following.
This exhibition, Temple of Love at the Palais Galliera, captures all aspects of his career, and is co-curated by Miren Arzalluz. a fashion historian and the director of the Palais Galliera, and Alexandre Samson, a fashion historian and head of the contemporary design department at the Palais Galliera. It runs until January 4, 2026.
Even if you can't make it to Paris, there is a book commemorating the exhibition called Rick Owens: Temple of Love, which was recently released by Rizzoli. The book features highlights from the designer's 30 year career in fashion, as well as highlights from the Paris exhibition.
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 04: A dress by Yohji Yamamoto Collection Prêt-à-Porter Automne/Hiver 2015-2016 is displayed during the exhibition LOUVRE COUTURE at the Louvre Museum on February 04, 2025 in Paris, France.(Photo by) Getty Images
The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris is home to the Louvre Couture exhibition, Art and Fashion: Statement Pieces, which runs until August 24. Curated by Olivier Gabet, over 60 pieces of couture are displayed throughout the museum alongside accessories throughout the museum's historic backdrop. In other words, there are dresses set up in the museum's lavish Second Empire Napoleon III Apartments, which are covered in extravagant drapes, vases and furniture. Expect to see couture from Chanel, Givenchy, Balenciaga and much more.
(Original Caption) The internationally known figure, Paul Poiret, Parisian fashionmaker, whose skill in assembling a well-fashioned gown or dress has amazed thousands of American women during his tour of the United States, is shown fitting a woman with one of his creations. (Photo by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images Paul Poiret: Fashion is a Feast
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a go-to for fashion exhibitions in Paris. Now, they are honoring the master 20th century couturier. Poiret (1879–1944) made history for liberating women from the corset. In turn, he also worked to redefine the silhouette of modern fashion. This exhibition, entitled 'Fashion is a Feast,' looks at how Poiret managed to shape the vision and aesthetic of the Belle Époque and beyond.
The museum is showcasing over 500 items throughout the exhibition, from party costuems to accessories and photos. It shows how his travels to Marrakech inspired his garments, and how his trailblazing designs inspired Christian Dior. It's amazing to think how Poiret's own designs captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties party girls. The exhibition, curated by Marie‐Sophie Carron de la Carrière, runs through January 11, 2026.
FRANCE - CIRCA 1925: Paul Poiret and his tailor, during a fitting, in October 1925. (Photo by Roger Viollet via Getty Images/Roger Viollet via Getty Images) Roger Viollet via Getty Images