Today we see designer brands as their iconic products, the items we covet, the items we wish for, and the items we eventually will have. With designer names that have been around for decades, we seldom think about where that one item originated from or the journey it took from an incredibly creative designer to a keen business man to an advertising genius to a chic store. This mental separation from fashion's roots to its product prevents us from fully enjoying that one item for not only its aesthetic glory, but also its timeless legacy.

Two exhibitions opened on April 13th and will run through October 7th at the Musée Galliera in Paris, featuring Cristobal Balenciaga and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. These designers have contributed more to the fashion industry than one can fathom. The exhibitions feature early work of the designers as well as some of their collected treasures from which they drew inspiration when starting out their lines. 

From carefully embroidered brocade on smooth velvet to perfectly puckered sleeveless gowns with metallic finishes, the exhibition manages to retain a certain liveliness and energy that only comes from truly captivating art.

Raw innovation of materials, shapes, and styles are showcased, exposing the catalysts to many trends that continue to flourish today. The exhibition is a tribute to two designers who revolutionized the fashion industry, as well as a cultural opportunity to understand the nuances of french fashion over the years. 

Reach Writer Zoe Chait here