The Fragonard Museum of Fashion and Costume has taken up residence in the Hôtel Bouchaud de Bussy, one of the city’s most precious 17th- and 18th-century architectural gems, meticulously restored by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty of Studio KO. The duo are notably known for designing the magnificent Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech.
This is a story of encounters and shared passion, bringing together a love of heritage and the talent of contemporary creation. It began with the meeting between the Arlésienne costume collection assembled by a mother and daughter, Magali and Odile Pascal, and Anne, Agnès and Françoise Costa, who head the Fragonard house.
Their own mother, Hélène Costa, had previously inspired the creation of the Musée Provençal du Costume et du Bijou in Grasse in 1997. Shortly before Magali Pascal’s passing, the Costa sisters had committed to acquiring the entire Arlésienne collection in order to give it both a dedicated exhibition setting and a permanent conservation space, while ensuring that the work of a lifetime would continue to live on — preserving the history of Arles fashion in all its richness.
That promise has now been fulfilled through this magnificent restoration and scenography, which perfectly weaves together the building’s historic fabric with the house’s contemporary touch.
Musée de la Mode et du Costume, 16 rue de la Calade, 13200 Arles