From September 9 to October 28, the historic dome at Printemps Haussmann celebrates footwear in all its forms. Through an immersive exhibition divided into 11 sections, museum pieces, creations from luxury fashion houses, Printemps archives, and projects by ESMOD students tell the story of this universal accessory, blending craftsmanship and creative freedom.
To kick off the new season, the Coupole Wybo, located on the 6th floor of Printemps Femme at Printemps Haussmann in Paris, is hosting “Pas à Pas,” a special exhibition dedicated to footwear. This wardrobe staple is showcased in all its facets, from its most traditional designs to its most creative interpretations.
An Ode to Shoes
Much more than a simple accessory, shoes have evolved alongside changing customs, eras, and societal transformations. By turns protective, ornamental, functional, or symbolic, they stand at the intersection of convention and desire, constraint and freedom. The exhibition explores these multiple dimensions through themes such as Performance, Adornment, Imprint, Transparency, and Fetish.
The exhibition design creates a dialogue between historical pieces and contemporary creations, set to a rhythm of visual and auditory references. Loans from museums and luxury houses, archives from Printemps, and iconic models come together to form a rich journey, designed to reveal the craftsmanship, technical innovations, and imagination surrounding footwear.
A Partnership with ESMOD
The exhibition also showcases the new generation of designers through a partnership between Printemps and ESMOD. This year, students at the international fashion school were invited to reinvent an iconic SAISON 1865 design: the loafer. While adhering to technical constraints and the requirement for desirability, 13 students presented their own interpretations of this wardrobe classic.
The competition winner, Camille Laveran, will have her creation featured in the exhibition as well as in one of the store windows on Boulevard Haussmann. Her prototype will also be produced as part of a SAISON 1865 collection, offering the young designer exceptional visibility and her first hands-on experience with production.
To further explore the exhibition, a free audio tour is available via a QR code located at the entrance. Guided tours are also offered on weekends; registration is required via Printemps.com. An invitation to discover the history, techniques, and transformations of footwear, truly “Step by Step.”
“Step by Step” exhibition, September 9 through October 28, under the Wybo Dome, on the 6th floor of Printemps de la Femme, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9.
