Photo : Maison Michel by ©le19M Photo Alix Marnat
Exhibition at Galerie du 19M: "Métamorphoses, the hats of Maison Michel"
From September 23 to December 13, 2026, the Galerie du 19M hosts the exhibition Métamorphoses, the hats of Maison Michel.
le 19M (Paris 19th)
Part of the Fashion events and exhibitions in Paris programme
About
A key reference in millinery and headwear accessories, active for nearly a century, Maison Michel, a resident Maison d'art at 19M, is being honored by the Galerie du 19M Paris/Aubervilliers. An opportunity to discover its unique expertise through an exceptional exhibition, Metamorfoses, the hats of Maison Michel, from September 23 to December 13, 2026.
From linden wood to felt, from ribbon to veil
True to 19M's mission to make artistic crafts accessible to as many people as possible, this free exhibition, open to all, offers an immersion into the wonderful world of Maison Michel. Designed as a poetic journey through forms and materials, the exhibition highlights the magic of artisanal gestures and the diversity of knowledge that drives the worlds of millinery. A living heritage, enriched every day in the studios of the Maison d'art, where the transmission of rare techniques fuels constantly evolving creation.
By tracing the transformation of raw material, from linden wood to felt, from ribbon to veil, the visitor dives into the heart of this creative alchemy, meeting block-makers, milliners, straw sewers, and hat-makers – all of whom contribute to shaping the headpiece, a symbol of identity and personal expression.
Berets, fascinators, caps, boaters, wide-brimmed hats and fedoras, stars of the exhibition
At the heart of the exhibition, berets, fascinators, caps, boaters, wide-brimmed hats, and fedoras sit alongside exceptional pieces unveiled during runway shows for the biggest fashion houses, as well as new creations resulting from collaborations with young designers.
By turns popular, spectacular, practical, or surprising, the hat establishes itself as a powerful identity marker. Its evocative power also permeates collective imagination, as evidenced by its place in cinema, where it goes beyond the simple status of an accessory to become a powerful visual clue. The visitor is thus invited to rediscover the full symbolic scope of the hat in the 7th art, where it continues to forge unforgettable figures.
Did you know?
Created in Paris in 1936, Maison Michel is a millinery studio where artistic craftsmanship and creativity combine to shape exceptional headpieces. With a heritage of nearly a century, the House perpetuates the rare trades of milliner, block-maker, and hat-maker, guarantors of unique expertise and exceptional finishes.
A supplier for Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear collections, Maison Michel has also been developing its own collections since 2015 under the artistic direction of Priscilla Royer.
Our take on this event
Step into a world where headwear transcends fashion to become a bold statement of identity. This exhibition invites you to witness the secret alchemy of artisans turning simple raw materials into iconic pieces seen on the biggest runways. It is an inspiring look at the hands that craft style, perfectly balancing heritage with avant-garde design.
The Galerie du 19M celebrates the craftsmanship of Maison Michel with the exhibition Métamorphoses, les chapeaux de Maison Michel. Running until December 13, 2026, this showcase invites you to explore the world of the century-old Parisian millinery house. From the initial molding of lime wood to the delicate finishing of felt and veils, discover the artistic gestures behind iconic headwear. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about artisanal trades, this exhibition offers a unique window into high-end craftsmanship. Admission is free for all visitors, providing an open invitation to experience the heritage of this legendary Parisian atelier in the 19th arrondissement.
Located at the 19M, the Galerie du 19M presents a deep dive into the history and technical mastery of Maison Michel, a Parisian millinery atelier established in 1936. The exhibition, Métamorphoses, les chapeaux de Maison Michel, highlights the work of skilled artisans—including milliners, block-makers, and straw sewers—who transform raw materials such as lime wood, felt, and ribbons into exceptional headpieces.
The display features a wide array of items, including berets, fascinators, caps, boaters, wide-brimmed hats, and fedoras. Visitors can observe pieces created for Haute Couture runways, collaborative works with emerging designers, and an analysis of how hats serve as powerful visual markers in cinema. Since 2015, the house has continued to evolve its collections under the artistic direction of Priscilla Royer.
The exhibition is free to attend and runs from Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to Sunday, December 13, 2026. It is hosted at 19M, 2 place Skanderbeg, 75019 Paris, reflecting the house's dedication to sharing its rare artisanal techniques with the general public.
