Musée des Arts Décoratifs Will Host Its Premier Grand Ball Fundraiser in 2025
Take out your finest gowns and jewelry -- Musée des Arts Décoratifs aims to revive Parisian balls to mark the centenary of the 1925 Decorative Arts Exhibition.
Recently the site of fashion shows for Thom Browne and Wales Bonner, Paris’s Musée des Art Décoratifs announced on Wednesday that it will be hosting its premier Grand Ball to celebrate French fashion and art de vivre to raise funds for the institution. It will be held on July 6, 2025 and mark the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts while also paying homage to the tradition of the great Parisian balls.
The History of Parisian Balls
Paris is no stranger to grand balls. Le Bal des débutantes in Paris, also known as “le Bal,” was inspired by the 18th century English tradition of the debutante ball which was a celebration of young women being introduced to society as young adults. In France, however, the traditional debutante ball was first established in 1957 and lasted until 1973 but was revived in 1994 by Ophélie Renouard who created a modern version of debutante balls. It called for the gathering of 20 prominent young women along with their cavaliers, and reflected and promoted the name of Haute Couture, high jewelry, and charity. Le Bal is also the only débutante ball in the world by invitation only. It still continues today.
The Exhibition’s History and Premier Grand Ball
Along both banks of the Seine, in and around the Grand Palais, and on the Esplanade des Invalides, the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts took place from April to November 1925. Musée des Art Décoratifs noted that two major sites were devoted to fashion: the Grand Palais and the Pavillon de l'Élégance on the Cours-la-Reine.
Best known for its fashion exhibitions dedicated to names such as Thierry Mugler, Iris Van Herpen, Louis Vuitton, Dries Van Noten and Dior, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs also showcases its vast collections of furniture, tableware, textiles, jewelry, glass, advertising, drawings, and photographs, amongst others. The museum is home to one of the largest decorative arts collections in the world, possessing approximately 1.5 million objects dating from the Middle Ages to present day.
Tickets for Musée des Art Décoratifs' Grand Ball will be sold to individuals or families rather than brands. The evening will be divided into a smaller, exclusive fete, followed by a larger event that will be open to design and fashion students.
