What's on in Paris this January

18 December 2015

Attend Leading Art Exhibitions and Design Shows During a Stay at Hotel de Vigny

As the home of many impressive events venues, famous museums and renowned galleries, Paris is the ideal destination for a cultural break this January. Plan the perfect day out during your five-star stay at Hotel de Vigny with our guide to attractions including an exhibition exploring the early works of photographer Lucien Clergue, a look at Marc Chagall’s artistic relationship with music at the Philharmonie de Paris, and a leading jewellery tradeshow with inspiring trend areas at Porte de Versailles.

Lucien Clergue Exhibition

Grand Palais 

14th November 2015 – 15th February 2016

Located a mere 15 minute stroll from our five-star hotel, the Grand Palais is currently exhibiting over 100 works by French Photographer Lucien Clergue. Titled Les Premiers Albums; the early albums, this collection explores the artist’s earlier works that were left undiscovered until his passing at the age of 80 last year. He had over 100 solo exhibitions, including at New York’s prestigious Museum of Modern Art, became a knight of the Légion d’Honneur in 2003 and was the first photographer to be elected into the Institute of France’s l'Académie des Beaux-Arts; which he also became Chairman of during 2013. He also co-founded the Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival in 1970, which attracted in the vicinity of 96,000 visitors in 2013 to see its unique line-up of almost entirely new works.

Clergue rose to fame partly thanks to his friendship with Pablo Picasso, who he met during his teens at a bullfighting event in Clergue’s hometown of Arles. Upon recognising his talent, Picasso asked to see more of his work and introduced him to the likes of Jean Cocteau, and his first collector Max Ernst. Though Clergue went on to produce a wealth of admired works, the Grand Palais chose to focus on the first three albums he produced before and within the first couple of years of him initially meeting Picasso. This array of photos include a series on dead bulls, documentary of the gypsies of Camargue and travelling entertainers the Saltimbanques, nudes and beach scenes. Left unpublished due to Clergue’s fear of being labelled a photojournalist, these works have now been curated by friends François Hébel and fashion designer Christian Lacroix to form an outstanding exhibition that’s unmissable for any photography fan.

Marc Chagall Exhibition 

Philharmonie de Paris 

13th October 2015 – 31st January 2016

Though it may seem unusual to host an arts exhibition dedicated to Marc Chagall at the Philharmonie de Paris, the recently opened music venue is ideal considering the renowned artist’s association with theatre, opera and ballet. Perhaps best known for his inspirational use of colour, religious and spiritual references, and dream-like depictions, Chagall produced an outstanding array of works throughout his lifetime (1887 – 1985) in painting, sculpture, ceramics and even costume. His talents were in demand for a variety of music-related commissions, including décor design at Moscow State Jewish Theatre, which is what this unique 300 piece exhibition is focussing on, alongside the influence music had over the artist as both a subject matter and in composition.

Titled ‘The Triumph of Music’, the exhibition focuses on a 40 year stretch between 1920 and 1960; with works displayed in reverse chronological order. One of the key attractions is a multimedia installation from Google Lab for which Chagall’s 220m2 painting on the ceiling of the Paris Opera was scanned in high definition so that it can be studied and navigated in a new way. This was one of many large-scale works Chagall produced during the 1960s and showcases an expressive use of colour over five-panels on which he ‘...wanted to reflect, like a mirror in a bouquet, the dreams and creations of the singers and musicians.’ Having created costumes and set designs for productions such as the 1942 Aleko in Mexico and The Firebird in New York in 1945, other highlights include a stunning dress designed for the Queen of the Night in a 1967 production of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute; which combines appliqué panels in blues, purples, gold and printed fabric. With the chance to learn about Chagall’s creative process through previously unseen sketches, and admire world-famous works, this exhibition will provide any art fan with an awe-inspiring day out.

Bijorhca Show

Paris Porte de Versailles

22nd – 25th January 2016

Nearly 13,000 international buyers are set to descend on leading events venue Porte de Versailles this January for Bijorhca; the international fine, fashion jewellery and watches show. This twice yearly event now boasts over 500 exhibitors, half of which will be international, alongside a whole host of conferences, trend spaces and exhibitions. Industry experts will be gathering to see spring/summer collections and latest innovations; from costume and fashion accessories, to precious jewellery and watches... and suppliers and security businesses. New additions to the 2016 line-up will include elegant gold and silver creations from Greek designer Apostolos, fine-art inspired designs from Germany-based Anzu Jewellery and 3D design tools from Altair Consulting, as well as the latest offerings from mens’ watchmaking specialists Montrichard.

The ‘Cream by Bijorhca’ section will showcase 40 hand-picked brands, while trend sections will vary between the feminine ‘Sensual Romance’ to the edgier ‘Variable Geometry’. The contemporary design space will offer the chance to discover designers that challenge traditional techniques; with the likes of Jérémie Barthod included September’s selection, who creates enamelled copper wire balls in a variety of colours. Previous conferences have covered a range of topics such as selling online and trend updates, to regulations for watchmakers, while collaborations with bloggers including personal stylist Elodie Yvars of Ask a Parisienne and chic jewellery enthusiasts Comme Un Diamant will ensure the event is at the forefront of all things fashionable. As France’s only international trade fair for precious fine jewellery, watches and technical industries, Bijorhca is an unmissable event for designers, buyers or those simply passionate about accessorising.

Make the most of a five-star stay in the heart of Paris by discovering this fascinating array of exhibitions and events this January.