Why visit?
This unique exhibition immerses you in the luxurious atmosphere of department stores from the past through an immersive scenography, recreating the sensory and attractive experience of these temples of consumption. It presents a world panorama of their monumental architectures, with collections never before exhibited. The ‘Saga of Department Stores’ is also an interactive and fun experience, especially suitable for families with kids.
You will find both new bustes that have been specifically made for this exhibition, as well as multiple classic Pierre Imans mannequins. Most of these come from the archives of iconic and world famous department stores Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche and Printemps as well as from private collections from famous fashion houses like Dior, LVMH, Sonia Rykiel and Pierre Cardin.
To celebrate the occasion, a special catalogue has been issued that also contains a chapter dedicated to Pierre Imans, called ‘Rencontre avec un Fournisseur’, written by Jean-Marc Hofman.
The exhibition offers great insight in the historical development of the function and meaning of department stores in general, and the French in particular.
Department stores reflect the evolution of our societies through their dazzling architectures. Their golden age is between 1850 and 1930 in parallel with the development of transport and industry. At that time, department stores revolutionized consumption patterns while inventing a new social organization, often compared to a hive, with a multitude of employees under the supervision of a charismatic founder.
Between 1930 and 1980, department stores faced the emergence of supermarkets and hypermarkets. To survive, they transformed into “machines to sell”, with marketing strategies and a rationalization of spaces. However, they maintained their influence by playing an important role in the ready-to-wear revolution.
From the 1980s onwards, economic crises and competition from other retail formulas led to a decline in popularity of department stores. Many closed down in that period, whilst others reconnected with their architectural identity and heritage.
Today, e-commerce is considered to be the biggest threat of physical retail. But yet again, the department stores shift gear by focussing on offering even more emersive customer experiences and services.
And so. the Saga of Department Stores continues. Just like the story of Pierre Imans, we strive to remain relevant in an ever changing world.
For tickets, opening hours and more information
