Exhibition Fashion in Motion #2: Heading to the Seaside
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Since last April, the exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 invites us to continue our exploration of the link between sports and textiles. For this second display, imagined by the Palais Galliera, we head towards the seaside. From full suits to bikinis, we rediscover the history of garments designed for these salty interludes. This is an opportunity for us to travel back in time and observe how the relationship with the beach and sea bathing has evolved over the years. From a meeting place to a training ground to become the future Léon Marchant, the coast has influenced our wardrobe to savor the joys of the ocean and get a sun-kissed glow.
How the exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 offers a perspective on history in general
The exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 is part of a cycle of three displays, tracing the evolution of fashion in parallel with that of sports, from the 18th century to the present day. Through modifications of garments, a new conception of dressing, changes in body perception, and the development of sports practices, the installation composed by the Palais Galliera allows us to take a look at society and how its clothing and hobbies have defined it over the years.
Like its first chapter, exhibited from June 2023 to March 2024, this second phase of the exhibition highlights how each decade of costumes reflects an era, its customs, and its historical and societal context.
The pieces on display provide insight into various aspects of history. On one hand, they offer a perspective on the development of sports, featuring outfits for cycling, horseback riding, automotive sports, tennis, and golf. They also highlight the relationship that society had with these activities, some of which were initially practiced to be seen.
We also observe how the wardrobes of women and men have been able to be as opposite as they are mutually inspirational. The evolution of their cuts, materials, and colors goes hand in hand with the changing relationship to the body, and how the silhouette has been highlighted or concealed depending on the eras. The materials used, in turn, highlight the challenges faced by society, particularly in post-war periods, with supply issues leading to the creation of new synthetic materials.
The exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 allows us to rediscover how sportswear, so prevalent today, has found its place in our wardrobes over the years. Moreover, it bears witness to the evolution of society in general.
How have sea baths influenced trends?
For this second display, a salty breeze invites itself to the exhibition Fashion in Motion #2. In addition to discovering new period outfits in the main arc of the installation, it expands to reveal a new facet of the link between sports and clothing. The evolution of society’s relationship with sea bathing is fascinating to observe through textiles. Indeed, garments crafted for this activity reflect major changes, both in terms of societal lifestyle habits and regarding its relationship to the body and the evolution of morals.
Initially prized for its saline water virtues, the beach quickly became a highly valued meeting place. A destination that gained even more popularity with the arrival of paid holidays. Over the years, new habits emerged, such as: swimming offshore, exercising, and also, tanning!
Thus, we travel through time with the exhibited models, starting from full bathing suits to the first bikinis. Between differences in materials, cuts, or colors, we observe creations that reflect a significant evolution in society, its relationship to this activity, and the liberation of bodies.
The exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 thus provides an interesting complement to its first chapter. While part of the exhibition remains similar to the previous display, the new outfits that complete it, as well as the section on sea bathing, are worth the visit. We look forward to seeing you for the third and final chapter of the exhibition in a few months!
