Paris, the original fashion capital of the world, is celebrating its design heritage to the max this summer. Four outstanding exhibitions, from the first couturier of Paris to one of the most provocative designers working today, will raise your fashion IQ.
The Palais Galliera, a former 19th century mansion owned by the Duchess of Galliera, is designated as the official fashion museum of Paris. Their extensive collection of over 200,000 works includes garments, drawings, accessories, and photos, and an additional 116,000 documents and fashion archives. This summer, they are presenting two must-see exhibitions.
Rick Owens — Temple of Love
Born and raised in southern California, Owens started his career as a pattern cutter and worked his way up the fashion ladder to start his own clothing label in 1992. Fast forward to 2003, Owen moved to Paris and opened his first shop, followed by the debut of some of the most outrageous and cutting-edge fashions and runway shows that were the talk and toast of the town. While developing a cult following and opening boutiques across the globe, Owens cemented his place in modern fashion history.
Owens is being feted by the Palais Galliera, taking over the entire first floor of the museum with over 100 mannequins showing off highlights of his men’s and women’s garments over the past 20 years. Part of the exhibition explores the close relationship and business partnership with his celebrity wife, Michele Lamy.
The exhibition runs until January 4, 2026.
Fashion on the Move
Fashion on the Move is a series of exhibitions that traces how movement in clothing since the 1800s has progressed. The third series currently running has 180 new pieces that represent skiing and other winter sports garments, including down jackets, ski suits, stirrup ski pants and knitted accessories.
The exhibition runs until October 10, 2025.
Worth, The Birth of Haute Couture
Although Charles Frederick Worth was the first Parisian couturier, he was actually born in Great Britain. Opening his couture atelier in 1858 at one of the most prestigious streets in Paris, 7 rue de la Paix, the house of Worth became the most sought-after couturier in the city. Royalty, aristocracy, and international women of style would patiently wait months for Worth to create their dresses for balls, dances, and coming out parties. At one time, the atelier had more than 1,200 employees, and the House of Worth continued on with four more generations after the founder’s death in 1895.
The new, extensive exhibition, Worth, The Birth of Haute Couture, displays over 400 items including 80 dresses and gowns, paintings of women dressed in Worth gowns, accessories, and objects from the period.
The exhibition runs until September 7, 2025.
Paul Poiret — Fashion is a Feast
A onetime designer at the House of Worth, Paul Poiret went on to open his own couture house and became a true fashion innovator in the beginning of the 20th century. In 1903, after his stint at Worth, Poiret launched his couture house near the Opera Garnier, catering to society women of the day. Even before Coco Chanel, Poiret was the first designer to start a collection of fragrances, and his signature perfume, La Rose de Rosine, was named after his eldest daughter. A smart businessman and ahead of his time, Poiret traveled by car across Europe with nine models between 1911 and 1912 and set up runway shows in each location.
Two floors of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs are beautifully curated with sumptuous dresses, gowns, and accessories along with sketches, photos, and artworks, immersing one into Poiret’s wonderful world of fashion, art, and design.
The exhibition runs until January 11, 2026.
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