Paris: The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac presents the ‘Golden Thread’ exhibition, showcasing gold’s rich history in fashion, featuring garments from as early as 5000 BC. Notable pieces include works by Guo Pei and intricate textiles from China and India, on display until 6 July.
In the vibrant cultural landscape of Paris, three notable exhibitions have recently captured the attention of fashion aficionados, with a particular focus on the relationship between art, design, and luxury. One of the main highlights is the newly opened exhibition titled “Golden Thread” at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, which explores the use of gold in clothing and fashion, tracing its historical significance across various cultures.
“Golden Thread” showcases an array of garments that illustrate the precious metal’s global use, dating back to as early as 5000 BC. The exhibition features an impressive collection of bridal gowns, ceremonial robes, jackets, and kimonos. Among the contemporary pieces displayed are recent creations by renowned Chinese designer Guo Pei, who gained widespread recognition for her striking canary-yellow gown worn by pop star Rihanna at the Met Gala a decade ago.
The exhibition delves into the traditional association of gold with wealth and power, highlighting various techniques employed in textile embellishment, such as weaving and stamping. Microscope images provide a closer look into the intricate textiles from China and India on display. Noteworthy items include a delicately crafted Japanese bridal kimono and a 14th-century chasuble, which are so fragile that they must be exhibited under dim lighting to preserve their integrity.
“Golden Thread” also examines alternative materials that have historically replaced gold, such as sea silk derived from the Pinna nobilis, a type of large saltwater clam, golden spider silk from Madagascar, and yellow cocoons produced by a specific species of silkworm found in Cambodia.
The exhibition presents some of the earliest examples of portable gold, including amulets discovered in prehistoric graves in Bulgaria. Additionally, the use of gold braiding can be traced back to ancient Syria, evidencing the long-standing significance of gold in fashion across different eras and regions.
To culminate the experience, a display features 40 embroidered samples from the Parisian Maison Lesage, which is owned by Chanel. The showcase includes a stunning haute couture gown designed by John Galliano for Dior in 2004 that draws inspiration from Egyptian aesthetics, as well as an intricately adorned dress from 1996 by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
The “Golden Thread” exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac will run until 6 July, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the historical and artistic dimensions of gold in fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
