The Grand Bal d’Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs: the chicest secret event in Paris

In the shadow of the Louvre, a handful of hand-picked guests gathered for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs Summer Ball, under the artistic direction of Sofia Coppola.

Every year, Haute Couture Week in Paris is punctuated by sumptuous events. But few are as secret – and as elegant – as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ Grand Bal d’Été, held at the Pavillon de Marsan, the former royal wing of the Palais du Louvre. Orchestrated by director Sofia Coppola, the event paid tribute to a century of creation since the 1925 Exhibition.

That evening, Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightley, Christian Louboutin, Farida Khelfa, Jordan Roth and other figures from the world of fashion and philanthropy gathered to celebrateFrench excellence in the decorative arts. A striking contrast to the rainy Paris of the morning: at 7pm, a meteorological miracle: the sky cleared up. Magical.

Sofia Coppola, discreet ambassador of a dream Paris

Known for her nostalgic outlook and fascination with French chic, Sofia Coppola imagined a décor inspired by the great society balls, from Marie-Hélène de Rothschild ‘s Bal Proust to Truman Capote‘s Black & White Ball. Surrounded by florist Thierry Boutemy and Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut(Septime), she delivered an evening that was both opulent and masterful.

Discreet but decisive patronage

The project was initiated by Jean-Victor Meyers, grandson of Liliane Bettencourt and active patron of the museum. The ball was intended to support conservation, exhibitions and art education. Thanks to private donations – ranging from a few tens of thousands to several million euros – the museum has been able to renovate the Cabinet des Dessins, mount the Paul Poiret exhibition, and prepare an Art Deco focus for autumn.

An evening without networks, but not without sparkle

Few media present, almost no photos allowed. The watchword: discretion. And yet, in the lounges adorned with spectacular bouquets, the energy of the big nights was palpable. The highlight of the evening was a surprise concert by the group Phoenix for students from fashion schools, invited to share this timeless Parisian night.

Read also: Bentley changes logo after 20 years: a discreet but strategic evolution