Eighteenth-century fashion at the Palais Galliera

From March 14 to July 12, 2026, the Palais Galliera honors the feminine elegance of the Age of Enlightenment with the exhibition Fashion in the 18th century, a fantasized heritage. The exhibition explores the lasting influence of this period on the history of fashion, from historical pieces to more contemporary reinterpretations.

The exhibition brings together seventy silhouettes, accessories, textiles, graphic arts and photographs to help visitors better understand the evolution of women’s appearances in the 18th century. Visitors will discover the richness of fabrics, the diversity of hairstyles and the rise of a fashion that was widely disseminated by the period’s specialized press.

The tour also features a dialogue between creations from the Age of Enlightenment and those of subsequent centuries. Pieces by Chanel, Dior, Christian Lacroix, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga and Vuitton are on display, proving that this heritage continues to inspire contemporary fashion. Among the works on display, a number of never-before-seen pieces, such as Marie-Antoinette’s corset, are particularly eye-catching.

Focusing primarily on women’s fashions, the exhibition also features playful labels to help families better imagine the sartorial constraints of the period. A captivating immersion in a wardrobe that has never ceased to nourish fantasy and creation.

Palais Galliera
10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116 Paris
From March 14 to July 12, 2026