We slip into our jeans or trousers every morning, put on the same sneakers as our boyfriends, and sometimes shop in the men’s department without giving it a second thought. Yet these everyday gestures are rooted in a history of feminist and queer struggle. Until February 14, 2027, the Palais Galliera presents its exhibition A Wardrobe of One’s Own: Dissident Femininities in the 19th Century (Un vestiaire à soi : Féminités dissidentes au XIXe siècle). Its title references Virginia Woolf’s literary masterpiece A Room of One’s Own, which highlights the importance of women having a space of their own, free from the expectations placed on them as wives or mothers—a truly revolutionary work! This fascinating exhibition explores clothing as a vehicle for emancipation, shedding light on how women appropriated traditionally masculine dress codes.
The End of the World
Today, just as in the past, challenging gender norms sends society into a frenzy: if clothing can no longer be used to tell women and men apart, surely it’s the end of the world! Although challenges to socially constructed gender roles were already emerging in the 19th century, patriarchal resistance was just as fierce then as it is today. Featuring nearly 500 works, the exhibition showcases a wide range of fashion pieces and iconic accessories, including riding habits, trousers, tailored suits, ties, bows and top hats. Together, these pieces offer a fresh perspective on the evolution of women’s fashion. Far from the beautiful haute couture gowns we are accustomed to seeing in museums, the Palais Galliera reveals a lesser-known chapter in fashion history: from women wearing men’s suits to the artistic and lesbian fashion scene in Paris around 1900, alongside tailored suits and ankle boots worn by working women.
Fascinating Women
Rosa Bonheur, Sarah Bernhardt, Natalie Clifford Barney, George Sand and even Marie Antoinette: the exhibition highlights fascinating figures who challenged gender norms through their clothing. The wardrobe of Rosa Bonheur, in particular, is being unveiled in its entirety for the first time. Featuring extraordinary garments dating back two centuries, it bears witness to the rebellious spirit of the celebrated animal painter. Whether in her art or her life, she had no intention of staying quietly in her place!
Through 150 previously unseen photographs brought together especially for the exhibition, a host of anonymous women parade before our eyes, each choosing to challenge gender conventions. These highly poetic images invite visitors to see themselves in these women and embrace their legacy. A rich chronological journey through an ongoing quest for freedom—one that remains as relevant as ever. A must-see!
A Wardrobe of One’s Own: Dissident Femininities in the 19th Century. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with late opening until 9 p.m. on Fridays. Tickets available online.
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