“Pas à Pas” – an exhibition celebrating the shoe

For the new season, the Coupole Wybo, located on the 6th floor of Printemps Femme at Printemps Haussmann in Paris, presents “Pas à Pas”, an exhibition dedicated to the shoe. This essential element of the wardrobe is explored in all its forms, from traditional craftsmanship to the most creative interpretations.

An Ode to the Shoe
Far more than a simple accessory, the shoe reflects changing uses, eras, and society. At different times protective, ornamental, functional, or symbolic, it exists at the intersection of convention and desire, constraint and freedom. The exhibition explores these multiple dimensions through themes including Performance, Adornment, Imprint, Transparency and Fetish.

The exhibition design brings historical pieces into dialogue with contemporary creations, accompanied by visual and sound references. Loans from museums and luxury houses, Printemps archives and iconic designs create a rich journey highlighting craftsmanship, technical innovation, and the imagination surrounding footwear.

A Partnership with ESMOD
From 9 September to 28 October, the historic Coupole at Printemps Haussmann celebrates the shoe in all its forms. Across 11 immersive sections, museum pieces, creations by luxury houses, Printemps archives, and student projects from ESMOD explore this universal accessory through craftsmanship and creative freedom.

The exhibition also highlights a new generation of designers through a partnership between Printemps and ESMOD. This year, students from the international fashion school were invited to reinvent an iconic SAISON 1865 loafer. Working within technical constraints while maintaining desirability, 13 students created their own interpretations of this wardrobe classic.

The competition was won by Camille Laveran, whose creation is presented as part of the exhibition and in one of the Boulevard Haussmann windows. Her prototype will also be produced as part of a SAISON 1865 collection, giving the young designer exceptional visibility and her first hands-on experience with production.

To extend the experience, a free audio tour is available via a QR code at the entrance to the exhibition. Guided tours are also offered at weekends, with registration through Printemps.com. An invitation to discover the history, techniques and transformations of the shoe, truly “step by step.”

Exhibition
“Pas à Pas” on show 9 September – 28 October
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Location
Coupole Wybo, 6th floor, Printemps Femme
, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9th, France.

Shoe by Jean Paul Gaultier. Heel-less ankle boot
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Ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2012. Olivier Jault Collection.