Fashion in the 18th Century. A Fantasized Legacy

At the Palais Galliera, the 18th century is revisited with a focus on its lasting influence. Fashion in the 18th Century. A Fantasized Legacy looks at women’s fashion during the Enlightenment and traces its influence to the present day. Often seen as distant or even dusty, the period emerges here as a key moment in shaping the female silhouette.

Within this setting, eighteen pieces from The Phoebus Foundation collection take a discreet yet assured place, including a robe à la française, a sharply cut robe à l’anglaise, a petticoat and stomacher, alongside an apron vest, gilet and trousers that quietly probe the boundaries between masculine and feminine. They are joined by textiles in Italian and French silk brocade, where light and material meet in a play of sheen and depth.

Black silk brocade with gold bows and floral motifs, 18th century — *French silk brocade*, 1898

Silk brocade with a symmetrical pattern of red and pink floral bouquets on a blue-green ground — *French silk brocade*, 1740-1750

Red silk brocade with a repeating pattern of floral garlands and scrolling foliage — *Italian silk brocade*, 1750–1760

Silk textile with a draped pattern and small rose motifs on a warm brown ground — *French silk brocade*, c. 1890

Silk textile with vertical stripes and floral vines with red blossoms on a beige ground — *French silk brocade with chenille*, 1770-1775

18th-century robe à la française in green silk brocade with floral motifs and wide sleeves — *Robe à la Française*, c.1765

18th-century stomacher in silk brocade with floral motifs and elaborate trim — *Stomacher*, c.1765

Fashion in the 18th Century. A Fantasized Legacy runs until 12 July 2026 at the Palais Galliera. More information and tickets at palaisgalliera.paris.fr.