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Posted on 26/11/2025
For fashion school students, inspiration isn’t limited to the classroom. In Paris, several exhibitions invite visitors to explore the history of clothing, the craftsmanship behind it, and the connection between fashion and society. A perfect opportunity to expand your visual culture and dive into the creative process behind style through the ages
Paul Poiret – Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents a major retrospective on Paul Poiret, a visionary figure of early 20th-century fashion. As a pioneer in freeing women from corsets, Poiret introduced fluid, modern silhouettes influenced by Orientalism and decorative arts.
The exhibition brings together over 500 pieces (garments, sketches, posters, objects…) and offers a multidisciplinary dive into the creator’s rich universe. A great chance to explore the dialogue between art, fashion, and society during a time of cultural upheaval.
Date & location: From June 25, 2025 to January 11, 2026, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs – 75001. Free admission for visitors under 26.
Chanel and the Métiers d’Art – La Galerie du 19M
Located in the 19th arrondissement, Chanel’s fashion hub brings together eleven exceptional métiers d’art houses (Lesage, Lemarié, Lognon…) specializing in embroidery, pleating, featherwork, and more. Designed as a space for transmission, La Galerie du 19M hosts free exhibitions that spotlight these rare skills.
The program also features creative workshops and artisan-led encounters. For students in fashion design, textile design, or garment creation, this is a valuable opportunity to explore the craftsmanship that bridges tradition and innovation.
Date & location: Ongoing until December 31, 2028, at La Galerie du 19M – 75019. Free admission for all.
The Artistic Workshops of Parisian Department Stores – Bibliothèque Forney
To mark the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, the Bibliothèque Forney celebrates the creative workshops of Paris’ iconic department stores: Primavera (Printemps), Pomone (Bon Marché), La Maîtrise (Galeries Lafayette), and Studium (Grands Magasins du Louvre). These workshops functioned as design incubators that played a major role in spreading the Art Deco aesthetic through textiles, furniture, ceramics, and advertising.
The exhibition showcases original pieces (furniture, fabrics, catalogs, posters, decorative objects…) and examines the role of textile design and fashion styling in shaping the visual identity of modern commerce. A rare look at how retail helped define the taste of an era.
Date & location: From November 4, 2025 to February 28, 2026, at the Bibliothèque Forney – 75004. Free admission for all.
These exhibitions are all excellent opportunities to explore new creative processes, fuel your curiosity, and deepen your understanding of the fashion industry. Stepping outside the classroom is a powerful way to enrich your styling or textile design practice with concrete, visual, and historical references.
Still wondering why a fashion school recommends 3 art exhibitions? Read our article about the influence of art on fashion.
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