The worlds of art and fashion have always shared a symbiotic relationship, with each inspiring and enriching the other in profound and lasting ways. This interplay is more evident than ever with the Louvre Museum’s groundbreaking exhibition, Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion - Statement Pieces, running from January 24 to May 15, 2025. For the first time in its storied history, the Louvre is showcasing haute couture gowns and accessories from legendary fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent alongside its renowned decorative arts collections, bridging the gap between antiquity and contemporary design.

“The first time the Louvre brings fashion inside the museum in this way”

— Olivier Gabet, AS SEEN IN REUTERS

A First-of-Its-Kind Exhibition

Fashion has long found inspiration in the masterpieces housed within the Louvre. Yves Saint Laurent, for instance, famously named entire collections after artists such as Van Gogh and Mondrian, while Karl Lagerfeld often referenced historical art movements in his groundbreaking designs.

While the Louvre has hosted exhibitions on fashion before, this event marks a historic milestone by physically intertwining haute couture with its permanent collections of artifacts, spanning centuries. Iconic designs like John Galliano’s silk ball gown for Dior are displayed in rooms dedicated to Louis XIV, surrounded by gilded furniture and towering portraits of the Sun King. Similarly, Alexander McQueen’s avant-garde Armadillo shoes sit beside a 17th-century plate featuring aquatic motifs. These juxtapositions highlight the deep and ongoing dialogue between historical art forms and modern fashion.

Olivier Gabet, director of the Louvre’s Decorative Arts Department, explains, “The idea of this exhibit is to say, ‘Come to the Louvre, look at the collections differently.’” This perspective aligns perfectly with the ethos of The Selects Gallery, where contemporary photography—particularly fashion photography—is framed as fine art.

Furthermore, there is significant data showing that fashion exhibitions are consistently bestsellers, drawing large and diverse audiences. Not only does this exhibition offer a new perspective on collections, but it also serves as an entry point for engaging a wider public.

“The idea of this kind of exhibit is to say, ‘Come to the Louvre, look at the collections differently.’”

— Olivier Gabet, AS SEEN IN REUTERS

A timeless dialogue between Art and Fashion

The Louvre’s exhibition highlights the artistry behind haute couture while encouraging us to see fashion through a historical and cultural lens. This interplay between past and present showcases how fashion, much like art, serves as a reflection of its time and a dialogue with heritage.

At The Selects Gallery, we echo this sentiment by presenting photography that connects the worlds of art, culture, and couture.

We showcase and celebrate the work of renowned fashion photographers like Norman Parkinson, Richard Phibbs or Jacques Olivar, published in some of the most prestigious magazines. Their images immortalize the artistry of couture and elevate fashion to a universal language of beauty and craftsmanship while capturing the cultural significance of an era.

Interestingly, as fashion becomes the subject of more exhibitions and finds its place in museums such as the Louvre, photography itself still battles for full acknowledgment as a legitimate artistic medium. Although it has gained growing appreciation in museums worldwide, there is more progress to be made in elevating it to the same level of prestige as painting or sculpture. The Selects Gallery is committed to advancing this evolution by showcasing, sharing and educating on the art of photography.

Ultimately, the timeless dialogue between fashion and art is a conversation that continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate.

We invite you to explore our collection of limited edition fine art photography, where the artistry of couture comes alive through the lens of some of the world’s most celebrated photographers. Explore

9th Symphony, Heidi Mount, Paris 2005 | Jacques Olivar

Read the article on Louvre Couture in Reuters

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