A Take on Fashion: Alexandre Samson

Alexandre Samson is a fashion historian and curator at Palais Galliera, Paris Fashion Museum, in charge of Haute Couture (which dates back to 1947) and Contemporary Creation. He has curated acclaimed and highly-attended exhibitions such as ‘Margiela Galliera 1989-2009’ (2018), which was the first French retrospective dedicated to the Belgian designer, as well as ‘Back Side, Fashion from Behind’ which debuted in Brussels (2018) followed by Paris at the Musée Bourdelle (2019).

In what ways can we look to men’s fashion as a reflection of the times?
Dressing shapes self-perception and gives self-confidence amidst this changing world. In this way, if not a reflection, fashion might be a cure for a wide cross-section of men.

How can fashion as a form of individual and free expression play a role in our changing societies?
Fashion lacks inclusivity. If it aims to influence or impact this era, it needs to behave with freedom, independence, singularity and creativity.

How does the current crisis impact people’s relationship with clothing and fashion?
This crisis imposed distance between people and the materiality of fashion. Clothing is, above all, a physical experience that culminates through other people’s eyes, expressions, feelings and emotions.