As the 2024 Olympic Games approach, the Paris Museum of Decorative Arts presents, from September 20, 2023 to April 7, 2024, a captivating exhibition entitled "Elegance in Movement: The unprecedented union between Fashion and Sport, through the ages." This ambitious exhibition reveals the fascinating links that interweave fashion and the sporting world, from Antiquity to the present day.
Date: From September 20, 2023 to April 7, 2024
Location: at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Desires: Adults and Children, fashion, sport, retrospective, Olympic Games.
This large-scale project reveals how these two seemingly distinct worlds are in reality closely linked, influenced by common social issues, particularly around the perception of the body.
The exhibition highlights the evolution of sports clothing and its impact on contemporary fashion through a collection of 450 pieces, including clothing, accessories, photographs, sketches, magazines, posters, paintings, sculptures and videos. Pioneers such as Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, Gabrielle Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli have, since the interwar period, explored the sporting world and integrated its elements into their haute couture creations. The exhibition demonstrates how sportswear has managed to transcend its initial use to become an essential component of the daily wardrobe. The question of comfort, which constitutes the common thread of the exhibition, sheds light on the reasons why items such as jogging pants and sneakers are now fashion essentials, both in everyday life and in the world. haute couture, from houses like Balenciaga to Off-White.
Focus on The interwar period and haute couture
The Era of the Roaring Twenties: The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties", were a period of social and cultural upheaval. This was reflected in the fashion of the time, where women began to adopt more liberated and androgynous styles. Sport played a vital role in this change. Women increasingly participated in sporting activities such as tennis, swimming and golf, which influenced the way they dressed.
The pioneers of sports fashion: Renowned fashion designers such as Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, Gabrielle Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli were among the first to take an interest in the world of sport and incorporate it into their haute couture collections. They designed sports-inspired clothing, like Chanel's famous jersey sweaters, which were originally sportswear but became fashion icons.
The democratization of sportswear: The interwar period was also the time when sportswear began to become democratized. Textile innovations have enabled the production of sports clothing that is more accessible to the general public. Comfortable cuts and lightweight materials were increasingly popular, and these trends began to blend into everyday fashion.
Sporty elegance: The exhibition highlights how haute couture designers managed to maintain elegance while integrating sporting elements into their creations. Innovative materials and innovative cuts have made it possible to combine comfort with refinement. Sportswear was no longer just functional, but also became a symbol of sophistication.
A historical turning point: This period marks a historical turning point where fashion and sport meet in a more formal way and where elegance is no longer incompatible with physical activity. It was the start of a trend that continues today, where sports fashion and high fashion continue to merge to create clothing that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The curatorship of this exhibition was entrusted to Sophie Lemahieu, Fashion and Textile curator responsible for the post-1947 collections, and it is presented in a colorful and joyful scenography designed by the BGC studio.
Date: From September 20, 2023 to April 7, 2024
Location: at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Desires: Adults and Children, fashion, sport, retrospective, Olympic Games.
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