"Passion XVIIIe siècle"

From 14 March to 12 July 2026, the Palais Galliera, musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, invites visitors to discover the exhibition ‘Passion XVIIIe siècle’, a sumptuous celebration of feminine fashion in the Age of Enlightenment.
Far from dusty clichés, the eighteenth century is revealed as a pivotal moment in the history of style, when silhouettes, fabrics and hairstyles diversified, driven by the rise of the fashion press.

A dialogue between past and present

The exhibition features more than seventy silhouettes, accompanied by accessories, rare textiles, graphic arts and photographs. One of the highlights is an exceptional corset that once belonged to Marie-Antoinette. The exhibition features a visual dialogue between 18th-century creations and those of later centuries, revealing the enduring influence of that era on contemporary fashion.

The great names of haute couture in the spotlight

In its final section, ‘Passion XVIIIe siècle’ gives pride of place to the contemporary designers who have drawn on the aesthetics of the 18th century to reinvent luxury à la française. Iconic outfits by Chanel, Dior, Christian Lacroix, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga and Vuitton, and Dries Van Noten bear witness to this creative filiation.

The exhibition is designed to appeal to all ages, offering an immersive and educational experience in an exceptional architectural setting. On Fridays, the exhibition runs until 9pm, offering a unique opportunity to rediscover the history of fashion in a new light, combining tradition and modernity.

The exhibitions can be experienced in the finest museums in the Paris Region.