French museums announce new fashion and costume exhibitions

Two upcoming museum exhibitions in France will explore the intersection of fashion, identity, and history.

From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, the Musée Lambinet will host “Le costume à Versailles au XVIIIe siècle : De la parure à la loque.” The exhibition examines 18th-century clothing in Versailles, moving beyond the splendor of the royal court to include the attire of local residents, artisans, and workers. The collection aims to show how clothing reflected social status, profession, and lifestyle during the era.

Meanwhile, the Musée des Arts décoratifs will present a photography exhibition by Rafael Pavarotti from October 2, 2026, to May 2, 2027. Featuring over 200 prints, the showcase highlights Pavarotti’s sculptural and saturated imagery, which focuses on centering Black beauty within the fashion industry. The exhibition will display his work alongside photographs from the museum’s own collections.