The soaring nave at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, recently the site of fashion shows for Thom Browne and Wales Bonner, will next year host a “Grand Ball.” The popular Paris museum has set July 6, 2025, as the date for a gala to celebrate the centenary of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris.
In a short press release, Les Arts Décoratifs said the event would be “in the tradition of the great Parisian balls” and a “celebration of fashion and French art de vivre.” This announcement has already generated significant excitement among art and fashion enthusiasts, who eagerly anticipate the blend of historical homage and contemporary flair that the event promises.
While perhaps best known for its blockbuster fashion exhibitions dedicated to the likes of Thierry Mugler, Iris Van Herpen, Louis Vuitton, Dries Van Noten, and Dior, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs also showcases its vast collections of furniture, tableware, textiles, jewelry, wallpaper, art and design objects, glass, toys, advertising, drawings, and photographs. The museum boasts one of the largest decorative arts collections in the world, spanning some 1.5 million objects dating from the Middle Ages through to today.
At present, the museum is hosting several exhibitions at its main site in the Louvre building’s Rohan and Marsan wings, including “The Birth of Department Stores,” “Luxury in China,” and one mingling fashion and jewelry creations with the museum’s permanent display of furniture and design masterpieces. These exhibitions highlight the museum’s commitment to exploring the intersections of art, design, and culture, making it a fitting venue for the upcoming Grand Ball.
The International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts took place on the Esplanade des Invalides, along both banks of the Seine, and in and around the Grand Palais, from April to November 1925, according to documentation on the Musée des Arts Décoratifs website. It notes that two major sites were devoted to fashion: the Grand Palais and the Pavillon de l’Élégance on the Cours-la-Reine. Designer Jeanne Lanvin served as chairwoman of the international awards jury and was also in charge of selecting exhibitors and the exhibition’s architectural decor.
The 2025 Grand Ball aims to capture the spirit of this historic event, celebrating a century of innovation and creativity in the decorative arts. Attendees can expect a night filled with opulent costumes, exquisite décor, and a program that pays tribute to the rich history of French art and design. The event will likely draw a diverse crowd, including fashion designers, artists, historians, and cultural aficionados, all eager to partake in this unique celebration.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs has a long history of hosting grand events that bring together the worlds of art and fashion. Its exhibitions often feature collaborations with contemporary designers, who draw inspiration from the museum’s extensive collections. This tradition of blending the old with the new will undoubtedly be a key feature of the 2025 Grand Ball, making it a night to remember.
In addition to the ball, the museum plans to host a series of related events and exhibitions leading up to the gala. These will explore the themes of the 1925 International Exhibition, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its impact on the world of decorative arts. Workshops, lectures, and special tours will provide further insights into the history and significance of the exhibition, enriching the overall experience for attendees.
The announcement of the Grand Ball has already sparked a wave of anticipation, with many speculating about the possible themes and highlights of the event. Will it feature a recreation of the 1925 exhibition’s most iconic displays? Will contemporary designers be invited to create new works inspired by the historic event? These questions add to the excitement, as the art and fashion communities eagerly await further details.
As the date approaches, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs will undoubtedly reveal more about the plans for the Grand Ball. In the meantime, the museum continues to be a hub of activity, with its current exhibitions drawing visitors from around the world. The upcoming gala is set to be a crowning achievement in the museum’s ongoing mission to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of decorative arts.
The 2025 Grand Ball at Les Arts Décoratifs promises to be a spectacular event, blending history, fashion, and art in a celebration of French culture and creativity. As the museum prepares for this grand occasion, it continues to inspire and educate, offering a glimpse into the past while looking forward to the future.
Source: WWD
