A Closet of One's Own. Dissident Feminities in the 19th Century

In the nineteenth century, wearing trousers or tying a cravat constituted a real social provocation for a woman. The Galliera Museum gathers rebellious silhouettes that challenged gender norms long before contemporary fashion revolutions. Through rare pieces and precious archives, we observe how the appropriation of menswear became a weapon of freedom and self-affirmation. These pioneers used clothing to claim a new place in society, challenging the dictates of the time. This presentation offers an unprecedented look at the construction of femininity through cuts and fabrics that marked the beginnings of radical emancipation. It is a striking testimony to the political power of appearance and the audacity of those who dared to dress against the current.