Look, 40 years of fashion at the museum: the Musée des Arts Décoratifs retrospective exhibition — our photos

Published by Audrey de Sortiraparis · Photos by Audrey de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 5, 2026 at 10:48 p.m.
At the Museum of Decorative Arts, the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion is celebrated with "Look: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum," a must-see fashion exhibition. Forty iconic ensembles take the runway in the nave's central space, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and embroidery, showcasing four decades of style and craftsmanship.

The Musée des Arts décoratifs is celebrating with a fête to mark 40 years since the creation of the Musée de la Mode within its walls. From September 30, 2026 to April 4, 2027, for its fashion exhibition anniversary Look, 40 years of fashion at the museum, 40 iconic silhouettes strike a pose in the nave and tell the story of a museum that has transformed clothing into a work of art.

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This retrospective takes visitors on a journey through the life of fashion: from sketches to runway shows, photography to behind-the-scenes at the museum. Drawings, patterns, embroidery samples, and dress forms showcase the craftsmanship and techniques behind couture, while mannequins and photographs highlight these creations front and center.

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The exhibition also provides an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the museum, where the magic of fashion memory happens away from the public eye. Restorers, archivists, and curators work diligently to document, preserve, restore, and display each piece — all dedicated to passing on this heritage to future generations. The collections, enhanced by exceptional holdings from the French Union of Costume Arts and numerous donations from designers, highlight the ongoing connection between creation, heritage, and society.

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From Moments in Fashion to Christian Dior: The Dream Couturier, and from the Surrealist Worlds of Elsa Schiaparelli to The Mechanics of Underwear, some iconic pieces from these past exhibitions make a special appearance in this celebration of 40 years.

Forty years, forty pieces, a dynamic journey that brings fashion to life from every angle, transforming the museum into a runway where art and style walk side by side. Fashion takes center stage in this vibrant showcase.

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 30, 2026 to April 4, 2027

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    107 Rue de Rivoli
    75001 Paris 1

    Route planner
    Accessibility info

    Official website
    madparis.fr

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