Fashion exhibitions in Paris right now

More than ever, Paris confirms its status as the world’s fashion capital with an exceptional program of exhibitions in 2026. From 18th-century salons to contemporary designers, from textile know-how to African or Korean influences, these exhibitions tell the story of fashion as a cultural, artistic and societal phenomenon. Whether you’re an aficionado of haute couture, the history of costume or simply curious to discover beautiful exhibitions, these events are the perfect opportunity to take an elegant cultural break in Paris. Here are ten fashion exhibitions not to be missed.

Eighteenth-century fashion, a fantasized heritage

Presented at the Palais Galliera, this exhibition explores the fascinating influence of the 18th century on contemporary fashion. Often idealized, this century profoundly influenced the history of women’s clothing: structured silhouettes, corsets, baskets, spectacular hairstyles and precious fabrics shaped an aesthetic that continues to inspire designers today. The exhibition brings together exceptional historical pieces and creations by the great modern couturiers, showing how this heritage has been reinterpreted over the centuries. Rare pieces such as period corsets and court dresses are on display, along with creations by Chanel, Dior and Vivienne Westwood. A fascinating exhibition that shows how fashion also builds a collective memory and an aesthetic imagination.

Dates: March 14 to July 12, 2026
Palais Galliera, 10 avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie, 75116 Paris
Book here: www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr

Weaving, embroidering, sublimating, fashion know-how

Also at the Palais Galliera, this exhibition highlights the crafts that make fashion so beautiful and rich: embroidery, lace, weaving, textile printing, artificial flowers and ornaments. These skills, often invisible to the general public, are nevertheless at the heart of French haute couture and luxury. The exhibition features pieces from the museum’s collections, as well as contemporary examples showing that these ancestral techniques continue to be used today by leading fashion houses. The exhibition shows that fashion is not just a question of style, but also of technique, patience and exceptional craftsmanship. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at haute couture.

Dates: December 13, 2025 to October 18, 2026
Palais Galliera, 10 avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie, 75116 Paris
Book here: www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr

Revealing the feminine: fashion and appearance in the 18th century

At the Musée Cognacq-Jay, this exhibition explores how fashion played a part in the construction of female identity in the 18th century. Through clothing, accessories, portraits and period objects, the exhibition shows how appearance was a veritable social language. Fabrics, colors, jewelry and hairstyles reflected social rank and wealth, but also personality. This exhibition perfectly complements the one at the Palais Galliera, offering a more sociological and cultural approach to fashion. We discover an era when elegance was an art of living and appearance played a central role in society. A refined exhibition, very Parisian in spirit.

Dates: March 25 to September 20, 2026
Musée Cognacq-Jay, 8 rue Elzévir, 75003 Paris
Book here: www.museecognacqjay.paris.fr

From Tokyo to Paris

Presented at Galerie du 19M, this exhibition highlights the links between Japanese design and Parisian fashion. Since the 1980s, Japanese designers have profoundly influenced Western fashion, bringing a new vision of volumes, materials and silhouettes. The exhibition shows how these exchanges have enriched contemporary creation, and how Paris remains a central place for dialogue between cultures and know-how. We discover experimental pieces, innovative textiles and collaborations between artisans and designers. A highly topical exhibition, showing fashion as a field of cultural exchange and innovation.

Dates: January 29 to April 26, 2026
Galerie du 19M, 2 place Skanderbeg, 75019 Paris
Book here: www.le19m.com

Africa Fashion

At the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, this major exhibition showcases the creativity of contemporary African fashion. It features creations by designers from Africa and the diaspora, demonstrating the richness of textiles, colors and cultural influences. The exhibition shows how African fashion is asserting itself on the international scene, between tradition and modernity. It features major designers, photographs, runway shows and spectacular pieces. A vibrant and inspiring exhibition, which shows that fashion is also a means of cultural and political expression.

Dates: March 31 to July 12, 2026
Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris
Book here: www.quaibranly.fr

Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

At the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, this exhibition compares two visions of haute couture by Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior. The exhibition highlights the similarities between their respective approaches to volume, size and the enhancement of the female body. Silhouettes interact through emblematic pieces, revealing exceptional craftsmanship and extreme attention to materials. The exhibition allows us to grasp the differences in style, while highlighting the same demand for cut and elegance. The creations on display bear witness to meticulous work on lines and proportions, where every detail contributes to the overall balance of the piece. An immersion in two worlds which, though distinct, share a passion for precision and craftsmanship.
From March 1 to June 30, 2026
Fondation Azzedine Alaïa – 18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris

Worth, the origins of haute couture

At the Musée d’histoire urbaine et sociale de Suresnes, this exhibition is dedicated to Charles Frederick Worth, considered the father of haute couture. Settling in Paris in the 19th century, he revolutionized fashion by creating the first couture houses and signing his creations, just as the great couturiers do today. The exhibition retraces the history of this legendary house and shows how Parisian haute couture was born. An essential exhibition for understanding why Paris became the fashion capital of the world.

Dates: until June 21, 2026
MUS – Musée d’histoire urbaine et sociale, 1 place de la Gare, 92150 Suresnes
Book here: www.suresnes.fr

Ka Beauty, Korean beauty, the story of a phenomenon

At the Musée Guimet, this exhibition explores the global phenomenon of K-Beauty, Korean beauty, which today influences international fashion and trends. Through objects, products, images and videos, the exhibition shows how Korea has become a global benchmark for beauty and style. A highly topical exhibition that shows the influence of Asia on contemporary fashion and aesthetics.

Dates: until July 6, 2026
Musée Guimet, 6 place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
Book here: www.guimet.fr

A day in the 18th century

At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, this exhibition plunges visitors into everyday life in the 18th century through decorative arts, costumes and everyday objects. It reveals how people lived, how they dressed and how the art of living influenced fashion. An immersive, elegant exhibition that perfectly complements the exhibitions devoted to 18th-century fashion in Paris this year.

Dates: until July 8, 2026
Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Book here: www.madparis.fr

Other exhibitions in 2026 here