Adventures in the Louvre by Elaine Sciolino, Couture Exhibit

 

I went to the Louvre on Wednesday to gather more research for Elaine Sciolino’s new book map for ‘Adventures in The Louvre’.

And to see the new Couture exhibit. 

The nice thing is a general entry ticket 🎫 will get you in to see ‘Couture’. 

The other nice thing is to see these fabulous gowns and artifacts

Amidst the grandiose settings of the Department of Decorative Arts

Like Napoleon’s throne.

100 gowns etc. from 45 fashion houses on display until 21 July. 

This is the Louvre’s first fashion exhibit. They have been preparing for months and month. Surely it won’t be the last.

Take the elevator to the top of decorative arts department in the Richelieu wing and wend your way down👇with the help of their specially printed guide.

The Louvre held a grand fund-raising dinner on Tuesday mimicking the New York Met’s annual fashion event. Tables for 10 at $50,000 (instead of $360,000). A steal obviously.

I highly recommend watching this video (with English subtitles) for the stories behind the gowns before you  visit or just for fun.

You’ll see the dress details better 

 Than standing at a distance behind a velvet rope 

As usual, labels are placed inconveniently at your feet🦶 

I loved this display 

An appropriately Medieval hairdo worn by a visitor

Elaborate Medieval embroidered fabrics 

In the tapestry rooms.

A luminous Vermeer-like creature taking pictures 📸 

Half the fun of visiting galleries is the other visitors.

I was expecting to see more fashionistas than I did, since it‘s PFW (Paris Fashion Week)…

The Couture exhibit expands over many rooms and several floors. I did not have the printed guide and got lost 🆘 

I learned to keep an eye 👁️ out for the pyramid exit sign 👉

HALLELUJAH !

A restorative ice cream 🍨 in the Louvre’s cafeteria hit the spot.

Certainly Elaine’s new book 📕 will help make the Louvre more user-friendly. 

Watch a great 👍 interview with Elaine (thanks Beth).

Elaine is a wonderful storyteller. 

‘Adventures in The Louvre’ Comes out April 1. 

More info to come.