In the Flow of Gold: The Golden Expo in Collaboration with Guo Pei
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Running until July 6, the exhibition Threading Gold at the Musée du quai Branly is ready to amaze you. Designed in collaboration with designer Guo Pei, this installation offers a unique journey into the heart of the history of gold, fashion, and civilizations, all highlighted by the creations of the Chinese couturier. Taking us through various continents and periods, the exceptional pieces and the educational yet playful narrative make this exhibition a guaranteed source of discovery and wonder!
Threading Gold: An Invitation to Travel from the Musée du quai Branly
From North African territory to the Far East, the exhibition Threading Gold takes us on a unique journey into the heart of the Musée du quai Branly. Gathering pieces from the Roman era to modern times, including treasures from the Byzantine era, the installation unveils a collection of fascinating pieces, where the shapes, patterns, colors, and inspirations transport us between Japan, Egypt, India, and Cambodia.
A Look at the History of Gold, Fashion, and Civilization
Where the exhibition Threading Gold stands out is in the richness of its narrative. Indeed, the installation provides insight into both the history of gold, exploring how it was discovered and how it has been utilized in textiles. It also reflects the evolution of clothing, its function, and its use. As well as the relationship of various civilizations to it (traditions, ceremonies…) and how influences and inspirations have blended over the years.
Covering a vast chronological timeline and geographical area (without losing focus and making relevant highlights), the exhibition Threading Gold aims to be very educational and comprehensive, while striking a perfect balance between pieces and texts. This way, we learn more about the customs of other cultures, with well-thought-out and presented explanations.
Threading Gold and the Creativity of Guo Pei
The exhibition is conceived in collaboration with Chinese designer Guo Pei. Known for her exceptional pieces rich in gilding, it is only natural that this dialogue serves as a golden thread throughout the exhibition. Moreover, the technical and narrative heritage conveyed through her work resonates perfectly with the chronological timeline of the installation.
Rich in symbolism and showcasing breathtaking craftsmanship (some pieces requiring over 50,000 hours of work), the creations add a couture aspect to the exhibition without overshadowing the rest. Among the works included in the exhibition, we rediscover one of the couturier’s iconic dresses, recreated for the occasion in 5 small-scale models.
Unlike the Louvre Couture exhibition, where the pieces were somewhat lost in the decor, here, the designer’s golden creations are showcased in black cocoons that highlight the craftsmanship of gold, embroidery, and every handmade detail. These silhouettes beautifully punctuate our journey, and the reactions I heard all reflected admiration for these creations.
Personally, I had the chance a few years ago to meet the designer and see her pieces that fascinated me up close. I was thus thrilled to rediscover her work at the heart of the Threading Gold exhibition, and even more so with the way they are showcased.
As you may have gathered, we can only recommend that you discover this exhibition! Furthermore, it can be visited with family, thanks to various playful explanatory panels intended for younger visitors, as well as different stamps to track your progress.
It is also good to know that the Musée du quai Branly is on the list of places that are free to visit every first Sunday. So, if you have nothing planned for this weekend, it is the perfect opportunity to discover the exhibition Threading Gold! (It is advisable to reserve a free ticket in advance on the website).
If you feel inspired to continue your cultural day with another visit, we recommend crossing the Seine to discover the third and final installment of the Fashion in Motion exhibition at the Palais Galliera.
