Fashion in the 18th century, a romanticized legacy: an exhibition from the Enlightenment era at the Palais Galliera

From March 14 to July 12, 2026, Palais Galliera explores the world of women’s fashion during the Enlightenment with its exhibition "Fashion in the 18th Century: A Romantic Heritage". Running alongside an exhibition on textile skills and craftsmanship, the show revisits a period often considered distant or dusty. Yet, the 18th century marked a pivotal chapter in the evolution of women’s fashion and aesthetic ideals.

Through seventy silhouettes, along with fashion accessories, textiles, graphic arts, and photographs, visitors gain insight into the characteristics of women’s fashion from that era.

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Silhouettes, fabrics, and hairstyles become more varied and are popularized by fashion press. In the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, references to the Enlightenment fashion are plentiful, often reinterpreted in a more contemporary way. By the late 1940s, French couturiers once again look back to this era and its legacy, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase French craftsmanship within the luxury industry.

You will especially discover never-before-seen items like the corset of Queen Marie-Antoinette. Don’t expect a decorative piece; this is a historical corset first and foremost, not an aesthetic artifact. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, starting with 18th-century silhouettes and then moving on to fashion from subsequent centuries.

Visitors can also discover iconic pieces by contemporary designers inspired by the Enlightenment era, such as Chanel, Dior, Christian Lacroix, and Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga and Vuitton. The exhibit is set in a space that echoes the grandeur of haute couture runway shows, reminiscent of Fashion Week venues.

Playful signs are placed throughout the exhibition to help families better imagine the challenges of the era. Whether you're passionate about fashion history or more contemporary pieces, you'll find a wide variety of costumes to suit every taste — many are vividly colorful, while others boast striking, unconventional designs. One thing to note: there are only a few men's outfits on display, as the exhibition primarily focuses on women's fashion.