Paris, the city of love and lights, welcomed a new era of glamour with the inaugural Grand Dîner du Louvre on March 4, 2025. This exclusive gala, held during Paris Fashion Week, brought together the world’s most stylish figures in a celebration of art, fashion, and philanthropy. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Louvre Museum, the event was a testament to Paris’ enduring status as a global capital of culture and creativity.
A Night of Art and Fashion: The Louvre Couture Exhibition
The Grand Dîner du Louvre coincided with the museum’s groundbreaking Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion exhibition, which opened on January 24, 2025. This immersive experience showcased over 100 extraordinary pieces from legendary designers like Chanel and Dior, alongside contemporary talents such as Marine Serre and Charles de Vilmorin. The exhibition explored the intricate dialogue between classic art and modern fashion, setting the stage for an evening that would seamlessly blend heritage and innovation.
Guests were treated to a private tour of the exhibition before the dinner, allowing them to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity on display. This unique blend of art and fashion underscored the Louvre’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering new perspectives.
The Guest List: A Who’s Who of Fashion and Entertainment
The guest list read like a roll call of the fashion world’s elite. Gigi Hadid dazzled in a gold sequined Jeremy Scott gown, while Keira Knightley embodied elegance in a strapless black Chanel couture piece. Naomi Campbell made a dramatic entrance in a black Chanel dress paired with a coral cape, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Anna Wintour, the iconic Vogue editor, attended in a stunning Givenchy couture piece adorned with rose and swallow embroidery, designed by Sarah Burton.
Other notable attendees included Victoria Beckham, Michelle Yeoh, Dev Patel, and Jisoo from Blackpink. The presence of these stars not only added glamour to the event but also highlighted the global appeal of Paris as a fashion capital.
The Fashion: A Celebration of Parisian Chic
The fashion at the Grand Dîner du Louvre was a masterclass in Parisian chic. From Doechii’s vibrant yellow Valentino couture to Zoey Deutch’s hooded peach chiffon gown, each look was a testament to the city’s enduring influence on style. The absence of a formal dress code allowed guests to express their personal style, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive display of elegance.
Carla Bruni and Taylor Hill were among the supermodels who wore off-the-runway gowns, while Lou Doillon turned heads in a unique asymmetric white dress. The fashion choices not only reflected the guests’ individuality but also honored the legacy of French couture.
Philanthropy and Heritage: The Heart of the Event
The Grand Dîner du Louvre was more than just a fashion spectacle; it was a significant fundraising initiative. With tables priced at €50,000, the event raised €1.4 million in support of the Louvre’s cultural and heritage missions. This figure, while modest compared to the Met Gala’s totals, marked a new milestone for the Louvre and underscored the growing importance of private philanthropy in European cultural institutions.
Laurence des Cars, the Louvre’s first female president, expressed her vision for the event to become a regular fixture during Paris Fashion Week. As the Louvre embarks on a major renovation project, events like the Grand Dîner will play a crucial role in securing the museum’s future.
The Atmosphere: A Night of Joy and Camaraderie
Unlike the structured formality of the Met Gala, the Grand Dîner du Louvre was characterized by a sense of relaxed elegance. Guests mingled freely, enjoying fine dining and live performances, including a show-stopping set by Doechii. The evening felt more like a reunion of fashion’s inner circle than a formal gala, with attendees praising the event’s warmth and camaraderie.
Naomi Campbell noted that the late Andre Leon Talley would have adored the event, highlighting its unique blend of style and warmth. As the night unfolded beneath the Louvre’s glass pyramid, it was clear that this inaugural gala had set a new standard for Parisian fashion events.
A New Tradition: The Future of the Grand Dîner du Louvre
As the curtains closed on the first-ever Grand Dîner du Louvre, it was evident that this event would become a cornerstone of Paris Fashion Week. The evening’s success not only celebrated the intersection of art and fashion but also marked a new chapter in the Louvre’s history. With plans to make the gala an annual occurrence, Paris is poised to rival New York as the epicenter of fashion philanthropy.
The Grand Dîner du Louvre is more than just a fashion event; it’s a testament to Paris’ enduring legacy as a city of beauty, creativity, and cultural excellence. As the fashion world looks forward to future editions, one thing is certain: the City of Light has once again proven its ability to inspire and captivate the world.