Du simple bleu au tailleur haute couture, le vêtement de travail étudié au musée Postal
The Musée Postal in Paris has reopened with a new name and identity, launching its first exhibition titled "Sous toutes les coutures" ("Under All Seams"). Curated by Elodie Goëssant and Didier Filoche, the show brings together 420 pieces, artworks, and archival objects to explore the history of workwear in France, from uniforms and protective clothing to high-fashion collaborations. It traces the evolution of work attire from the 18th century to the present, highlighting how women lacked dedicated work clothing until the 1970s and how airlines like Air France pioneered partnerships with luxury houses such as Christian Dior to dress flight attendants as national ambassadors.
This exhibition matters because it reframes workwear as a significant cultural and social artifact, reflecting broader shifts in authority, gender roles, and corporate branding. By examining how uniforms and protective garments have been designed, worn, and even contested by workers, the show connects everyday clothing to major themes in French history, including labor rights, fashion, and public identity. It also signals the Musée Postal's transformation from a corporate museum into a museum of society, engaging with topics that resonate with a wide public audience.