Pamela Golbin on Curating Three Centuries of Fashion at Les Arts Décoratifs

Pamela Golbin, chief curator of fashion and textiles at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris for over twenty years, discusses the exhibition 'Fashion Forward, 3 siècles de mode (1715–2016)', which celebrates the museum's fashion collection's thirtieth anniversary. The show features 350 garments and 50 accessories, displayed in the Grande Nef, the museum's most prestigious space. Golbin integrated masterpieces from other decorative arts collections—glass, enamel, furniture, porcelain—to enrich dialogue across disciplines. The exhibition spans three centuries, from the 18th century to the present, aiming to engage diverse audiences. British dancer and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon served as artistic director, bringing a bodily perspective to the static display. Golbin emphasized the role of donors, noting that 90% of the collection was donated by individuals or fashion houses. The collection originated from the merger of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (founded 1864) and the Union Française des Arts du Costume (founded 1948), united in 1986 under Jacques Long's initiative, and housed in the Pavillon de Marsan of the Louvre, inaugurated by François Mitterrand. Golbin addressed skepticism about fashion in museums, asserting that in France, fashion has been part of culture since the 17th century. She highlighted Paris as a crucial hub for designers, citing Valentino's consecration there. The exhibition runs until August 14, 2016.