Starting September 30, 2026, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie will honor one of the most important photographers of the 20th century with “Penn & Fashion,” a major exhibition dedicated to the work ofIrving Penn. For nearly seventy years, the American photographer shaped the image of fashion with his striking portraits and his eye for silhouettes, textures, and light. This highly anticipated Parisian retrospective offers a chance to rediscover his work across several decades of creativity.
Irving Penn, one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th century
With “Penn & Fashion,” the MEP presents an exhibition centered on the fascinating relationship between Irving Penn and the world of fashion. From his early images shot for *Vogue* in the 1940s to his collaborations with leading designers at the end of the 20th century, the exhibition traces the evolution of his vision and aesthetic.
The exhibition spans the years 1947 to 2008 and covers several generations of fashion. In the 1950s, Irving Penn photographed the golden age of Parisian haute couture, notably featuring the designs of Christian Dior and Cristóbal Balenciaga, worn by iconic models such as Lisa Fonssagrives—his wife—and Jean Patchett.
Over the decades, the exhibition shows how his style evolved alongside the transformations in fashion. The 1970s saw the emergence of designsby Emanuel Ungaro andAndré Courrèges, while Marisa Berenson and Lauren Hutton in turn became the faces of his photographs. In the 1980s, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld came into his lens. His style evolved alongside the sculptural designs of Japanese designer Issey Miyake, and the journey continued through his collaborations with John Galliano and Christian Lacroix.
From legendary models to leading designers
“Penn & Fashion” also offers a deep dive into several decades of fashion history. The exhibition brings together the faces, clothing, and signatures that defined the second half of the 20th century.
It features models who have become icons, as well as creations from major fashion houses and designers: Dior, Balenciaga, Courrèges, Ungaro, Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Issey Miyake, John Galliano, and Christian Lacroix.
Irving Penn at the MEP: the must-see fashion photography exhibition in Paris
With “Penn & Fashion,” the MEP offers much more than just a retrospective of a fashion photographer. The exhibition chronicles several decades of creativity, from *Vogue* to the major fashion houses, and shows how Irving Penn established an aesthetic that is instantly recognizable: minimalist, elegant, precise, and incredibly modern.
An exhibition to explore as the cultural season begins, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the world of an artist who changed the way we view fashion, clothing, and those who wear them.
Practical Information
Exhibition: Penn & Fashion
Dates: September 30, 2026, through January 17, 2027
Location: Maison Européenne de la Photographie, 5/7 rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays until 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission: €13 (full price), €8 (reduced price), free for children under 12
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)