From Runways to Museums: Exploring the Creative Ties between Art and Fashion

For the first time, the Louvre Museum in Paris, a revered temple of art, has opened its doors to fashion in a groundbreaking exhibition. For the first time in its history, the Louvre will host an exhibition devoted entirely to fashion, from January 24 to July 21, 2025. The iconic Parisian museum will be showcasing its treasures of classical art alongside creations by the greatest couturiers and promising young talents. Until now, only a few major fashion houses have had the honor of staging shows there during Fashion Week.

This historic collaboration marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between art and fashion. These two worlds, while seemingly separate, have always been intertwined, influencing and inspiring each other throughout history.

From the Renaissance era, where fashion was meticulously depicted in paintings to reflect societal status and aesthetics, to the contemporary age, where designers draw inspiration from the vivid palettes of abstract art, the dialogue between fashion and art has been a constant. In France, this connection is particularly pronounced.

Designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, who famously collaborated with Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, demonstrate how deeply rooted art is in fashion design. More recently, the influence of art history is visible in the works of designers like Christian Dior, who drew from the soft elegance of Rococo paintings, or Alexander McQueen, whose collections are inspired by dramatic Baroque art.

This intertwining of the two disciplines can also be seen in the way that contemporary designers like Virgil Abloh and Iris Van Herpen have elevated fashion to an art form. By drawing on the principles of architecture, sculpture, and even technology, designers are pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be. Van Herpen’s latest exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, for instance, showcases her innovative approach to fashion as wearable art. Her designs, often described as futuristic sculptures, highlight the way technology and creativity merge to create something that transcends traditional fashion.

France has long been at the forefront of merging art and fashion. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent famously turned Mondrian’s geometric paintings into iconic dresses, while Karl Lagerfeld’s collections often reflected the grandeur of Baroque art. The Louvre’s exhibition is a continuation of this tradition, celebrating the dynamic synergy between fashion designers and artists.

By curating collections that highlight the artistic nature of fashion, museums can show how closely fashion follows the rhythms of art movements and societal changes. Indeed, French fashion is known for its elegance, innovation, and deep respect for artistry. From haute couture to ready-to-wear, French designers continually push the boundaries, blending historical art references with modern aesthetics. These exhibitions not only showcase the evolution of fashion but also highlight how deeply rooted art is in the French approach to design.

Venus in Front of the Mirror by Peter Paul Rubens, 1615, via the Princely Collections of Liechtenstein, Vienna; with Dolce & Gabbana fashion collection for fall/winter 2020 photographed by Nima Benati, via Nima Benati website

Peace Embracing Plenty by Peter Paul Rubens, 1634,  via Yale Center for British Art, New Haven; with  Dolce & Gabbana fashion collection for fall/winter 2020, photographed by Nima Benati, via Nima Benati website

While France may be the historical epicenter of art and fashion, Singapore is quickly establishing itself as a cultural bridge between East and West. The city-state has seen a burgeoning interest in integrating art with fashion, with numerous exhibitions and events celebrating this fusion. For instance, the Singapore Art Museum has hosted fashion-focused exhibitions that explore the intersection of contemporary art and fashion design, showcasing local and international talents who are redefining the boundaries of creative expression.

Singapore’s fashion scene is marked by a unique blend of traditional Asian influences and modern Western trends. This blend creates a vibrant tapestry that reflects the multicultural nature of the city. Local designers are increasingly looking to art for inspiration, drawing from Singapore’s diverse heritage to create pieces that are both contemporary and deeply rooted in cultural history.

The relationship between art and fashion will continue to evolve, especially as global boundaries blur and cultural exchanges become more frequent. France and Singapore, each with its unique perspective, are at the forefront of this evolution. In France, the legacy of merging art and fashion continues to thrive, while in Singapore, a new narrative is being written—one that celebrates diversity, innovation, and the melding of different cultural influences.

As museums like the Louvre and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs open their doors to fashion, they set a precedent for museums worldwide, encouraging them to view fashion not just as a form of commerce, but as a crucial component of cultural history and artistic expression. In both France and Singapore, the future of art and fashion looks bright, with endless possibilities for collaboration, inspiration, and mutual growth.