Can a simple hat be made into a sumptuous work of art? The Palais Galliera dares to take this crazy challenge by inviting designer Stephen Jones, master of elegance and creativity, the one who made headgear the triumphant accessory of the biggest fashion shows. This major retrospective plunges us into the fascinating world of a British milliner whose genius and originality have marked the history of contemporary fashion. Our eyes are immediately captivated by the incredible diversity of his creations, like so many expressions of daring and explosive personalities, like the famous petal hat for Dior, evoking delicacy and complexity of a flower in full bloom. From mythological figures to Hollywood divas, including the artistic avant-garde and his deep love for Paris, the exhibition reveals the inspirations that have shaped his work for decades. Through more than one hundred and seventy hats, accompanied by forty silhouettes and numerous archival documents, from photographs to drawings to videos, we travel behind the scenes of extraordinary creations, leading us from his first collection with Jean Paul Gaultier in the 1980s until his collaboration – for more than thirty years – with the house of Dior. From baroque extravagance to Zen simplicity, Jones enjoys juxtaposing shapes and materials to make his hats real sculptures. A celebration of the passion and talent of a genius milliner who was able to elevate this accessory to unparalleled heights, making a simple clothing accessory a work of art in its own right. Hats off, artist!

PALAIS GALLIERA
From Oct. 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025
10 BC Peter I of Serbia, 75016
M° Iéna (9) - From Tue. to Sun.
10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mon. - Price: €12
TR: €10 - Free under 18s