LOOK: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France, commemorates the four-decade milestone of the institution’s fashion department. The exhibition surveys the collection's growth from its 1986 inception to its current status as a global leader in sartorial preservation. Visitors encounter a massive selection of garments that trace the aesthetic shifts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The display features pieces ranging from mid-century classics to experimental contemporary designs, organized to reflect the museum's history of acquisitions. It highlights works from influential houses such as Dior, Saint Laurent, and Chanel, alongside avant-garde contributions from designers like Mugler and Lacroix. Beyond the clothing, the show includes drawings, fashion photography, and archival documents that provide a broader cultural context for each era.

By focusing on the act of collecting rather than just the designers, the exhibition offers a unique perspective on how fashion history is curated and preserved. It showcases the relationship between private donations and public heritage, emphasizing the museum's role in elevating fashion to a fine art. The scale of the loans and the inclusion of rarely seen accessories make this a definitive account of modern dress.

A comprehensive and stylish overview for anyone interested in the machinery of fashion history and the evolution of the Parisian silhouette.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday until 6:00 pm, with late openings on Thursdays. Pre-booking a timed entry slot online is recommended to avoid queues at the Rue de Rivoli entrance.