Irving Penn retrospective opens at Maison Européenne de la Photographie

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris is hosting ‘Penn & Fashion’, a retrospective exhibition documenting six decades of work by photographer Irving Penn. Running from September 30, 2026, to January 17, 2027, the exhibition traces his career from 1947 to 2008.

Penn’s work, much of which was tied to Vogue, is noted for its formal precision and ability to treat fashion as a noble subject of art. The exhibition highlights his evolution, including a pivotal 1948 trip to Peru that influenced his use of natural light.

The chronological display features iconic collaborations and subjects, including Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and Issey Miyake. The collection showcases Penn’s consistent visual grammar, moving from 1950s haute couture to the sculptural volumes of later decades.