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 connection between sports and textiles. For this second display, imagined by the Palais Galliera, we head to the seaside. From full swimsuits to bikinis, we rediscover the history of pieces designed for these salty breaks. It’s 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 for future champions like Léon Marchant, the coast has influenced our wardrobes to enjoy the joys of the ocean and get that perfect tan.
How the exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 reflects on history in general
The exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 is part of a cycle of three displays that trace the evolution of fashion in response to that of sports, from the 18th century to the present day. Amid changes in garments, new concepts of dressing, shifts in body perception, and the development of sports practices, the installation curated by the Palais Galliera allows 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 exhibited pieces inform us about various aspects of history. On one hand, they provide insights into the development of sports, showcasing outfits for cycling, horseback riding, motorsports, tennis, and golf. Additionally, they emphasize the relationship that society had with these activities, some of which were initially practiced to be seen.
We also observe how the wardrobes of both women and men have been as much at odds as they have inspired each other. The evolution of their cuts, materials, and colors goes hand in hand with changes in body perception and how the silhouette has been highlighted or concealed over time. The materials used highlight the challenges faced by society, especially in post-war periods, where supply issues led to the creation of new synthetic materials.
The exhibition Fashion in Motion #2 thus allows us to rediscover how sportswear, so prominent today, has found its place in our wardrobes over the years. Furthermore, it showcases how it reflects the evolution of society in a broader sense.
How have sea baths influenced trends?
For this second display, a salty breeze invites itself into 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 aspect of the connection between sports and clothing. The evolution of society’s relationship to sea bathing is fascinating to observe through textiles. Indeed, pieces crafted for this activity reflect major shifts in both lifestyle habits and body perception.
Initially valued for the benefits of its saline water, the beach quickly became a highly appreciated meeting place. A destination that gained even more popularity with the advent of paid vacations. Over the years, new habits emerged, such as: swimming offshore, exercising, and, of course, sunbathing!
We travel through time with the displayed models, starting from full bathing suits to the first bikinis. Between differences in materials, cuts, and 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 enhance it, as well as the section on sea baths, are worth the visit. We look forward to seeing you for the third and final chapter of the exhibition in a few months!
