Paris Fashion History Capitals, Wrapped
Paris Fashion History & Geography
Is there any better city than Paris to learn about fashion history? Dating back to the 18th-century royal court, France has fought hard to earn its title as one of the world's fashion capitals, showcased through its leading textile production, stunning department stores, and numerous fashion journals.
In my class, Paris Fashion Histories & Geographies, led by Dr Sophie Kurkdjian, we took a literal walk through fashion history. I am keen to dive into some of my favorite exhibits, museums, and monuments we explored throughout the semester, starting with the capital of Paris, The Palais-Royal
“Paris is the capital of France; the Palais-Royal is the capital of Paris”
Les Deux Plateaux by Buren
The Palais Royal
Le Palais Royal is situated in the 1er arrondissement and has existed since 1628. it was initially built to serve as the official residence of King Louis XIV. In 1780, buildings were constructed around Palais Royal to rent to haberdashers and merchants. The haberdashers played a key role in this fashion era, as traders, importers, collectors, and decorators, which earned them the nickname 'merchants of everything creators of nothing.’ The influx of haberdashers created a village in Paris, a place (for women) to walk around and shop (without their husbands). The most Instagrammable spot of the Palais Royal is Buren’s permanent art installation, built in the 1980s, that locals call “Colonnes de Buren,” but formally named “Les Deux Plateaux.”
Le Palais-Royal is quintessential Paris. The open, airy public spaces, shopping, beautiful architecture, and art installations all make Paris, Paris. The Palais Royal is now a must-see whenever I have visitors in town—a bonus tip is to grab a coffee from Café Kitsuné and stroll through the garden.
Courtyard of Musée Cognacq-Jay
Musée Cognacq-Jay: Pocket Luxury
The Musée Cognacq-Jay opened in 1929 after the death of Ernest Cognacq, the founder of the museum and department store La Samaritaine, to display his private art collection. It was designed to feel like a cozy 18th-century townhouse rather than a massive gallery like the Louvre, highlighting intimate pieces over grand displays.
The exhibit was titled "Pocket Luxury: Small Precious Objects in the Age of Enlightenment." It focused on showcasing the decorative arts and craftsmanship of the 18th century. Back then, people loved their small, fancy objects like snuff boxes, watches, and opera glasses, known as "toys." The exhibition features nearly 300 pieces, illustrating how the elite made and used these luxury items.
Musée Cognacq-Jay also has a lovely permanent collection. Even though the “Pocket Luxury” exhibit is no longer on display, I highly recommend visiting for a quaint experience of Paris history.
Entry way of Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Musée des Arts Décoratifs: ‘The Birth of Department Stores’
Some of Paris’ most iconic fashion monuments are its department stores, like Les Galeries Lafayette, La Sameritaine, and Le Bon Marche, to name a few. Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs was displaying an exhibit dedicated to the history of the department store in Paris, and we got to visit it on one of its final days on display.
When department stores first began popping up, they had several ways to advertise. Below, I recreated the poster, one of the main means of advertising for the department stores. They usually utilized bold, colorful designs to catch the eye of passersby and promote sales and events.
Poster inspired by Le Bon Marche advertisement, by me.
Sales catalogs also became essential tools for department stores as they adapted to mass production and rapid stock rotation, allowing them to reach customers in towns and cities abroad. Handheld fans were used as promotional tools, often featuring the store’s branding or advertisements. These fans were given out for free or sold as affordable items, carrying the store's name and promotions on their decorative surfaces.
During the Second Empire, the fashion press in Paris exploded, with over 113 titles published by the late 19th century. These magazines didn’t just display the latest styles—they also served as a form of advertising for suppliers, boutiques, and department stores.
Entry way of Musée YSL
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris began with the Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, which Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent set up in 2002 to protect and celebrate the designer’s incredible legacy. By 2017, the foundation had grown into a museum that honored his influence on fashion.
The exhibit at the time was titled “Les Fleurs d'Yves Saint Laurent,” an ode to his love of flowers, translating this passion into his craft in various ways, such as prints and fabrics, floral embroidery, and color palette.
Le Galerie Dior
Christian Dior's story is not one of overnight success. He was a hardworking and creative individual who faced numerous hardships throughout his life, yet he remained driven by his passion for creativity. Dior's brand remains famous for many reasons, the most notable of which is the "New Look" collection that debuted after World War II. Initially called the "Corette" due to the skirt's resemblance to a flower, a journalist later dubbed it "the new look," and the name stuck.
This exhibit was stunning. As an avid museum-goer, Le Galerie Dior stands out. The attention to detail and creativity permeates the gallery, making you feel as if you’ve walked through Christian Dior’s mind. Fortunately, this is a permanent collection, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re in Paris.
This marks the end of the journey through Paris fashion. I am grateful to be able to learn by experiencing these locations and exhibits firsthand. I hope you learned a little bit, and maybe found some new places to save for your trip to Paris.
A creative mind and design professional, Julia is an Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Beauty Enthusiast, and a Master's Student in Global Communications. This blog is an extension of her multi-faceted journey, offering a space to explore the intersections of design, beauty, culture, and lifestyle