Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum: A Retrospective Couture Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is throwing a celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion’s founding. From September 29, 2026, to April 4, 2027, its special fashion exhibition titled Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum showcases 40 iconic silhouettes, striking a pose in the nave and narrating the story of a museum that transformed clothing into true works of art.

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.

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.

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.