Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs has embarked on a captivating exploration of the interplay between three creative realms within its permanent collection galleries dedicated to modern design.
Transdisciplinary exhibitions offer a dynamic platform for discovering shared concepts across diverse categories. The latest exhibit pushing the boundaries of this approach is “Traversing Appearances – When fashion enters the Musée National d’Art Moderne,” currently showcased at the Pompidou Centre until April 22nd. While juxtaposing two disciplines—fashion and art—holds intrigue, the complexity deepens with the incorporation of a third. Boldly embracing this dynamic “trio” concept is the “Fashion, Design, Jewellery Exhibit,” currently captivating audiences at the esteemed Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
Renowned for its extensive collection spanning from the medieval period to contemporary times, the museum has a rich history of staging multidimensional exhibitions. Noteworthy examples include the integration of iconic fashion pieces, such as Karl Lagerfeld’s designs, into the modern period section following his passing in 2019. Leveraging its vast costume archives, the institution continually curates visually compelling showcases that highlight thematic narratives. Moreover, the museum’s jewellery gallery continues to expand through strategic acquisitions, further enriching its offerings.
Mathieu Rousset-Perrier, Curator of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Jewellery Collection at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, sheds light on the curatorial process behind the “Fashion, Design, Jewellery Exhibit.” Collaborating with five other curators from various departments, Rousset-Perrier emphasizes the tribute to recent donations while enhancing the museum’s design section. “In every discipline, creatives draw inspiration from one another,” he notes, citing historical examples such as the enduring friendship between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. This interconnectedness fuels a continuous exchange of ideas, often catalyzing artistic movements.
Spanning five floors of the Pavillon de Marsan, the exhibit showcases a diverse selection of over thirty costumes and approximately one hundred jewellery pieces, spanning the 20th century to the present day. Notably, the curation transcends traditional categorizations, eschewing hierarchy based on couture versus ready-to-wear or fine versus costume jewellery. Instead, thematic groupings are formed around shared inspirations, styles, or historical periods, fostering interactive dialogues and serendipitous connections.
From Marc Newson’s sleek Pod of Drawers cabinet juxtaposed with Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain creation to the political and artistic convergence of Charlotte Perriand and Jean Lurçat, the exhibit offers a rich tapestry of juxtapositions and parallels. Iconic designs by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, alongside garments by fashion luminaries such as Christian Dior and Helmut Lang, coalesce with exquisite jewellery creations from prestigious maisons like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Unexpected discoveries, such as jewellery pieces by furniture designer Ettore Sottsass, further illuminate the interconnectedness of design disciplines.
As visitors navigate through this immersive experience, they are invited to uncover the nuanced connections and resonances between fashion, design, and jewellery. Rousset-Perrier eagerly anticipates the audience’s response, anticipating the enrichment of discourse and dialogue sparked by this innovative exploration of creative intersections.
