The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP)Paris showcases a captivating retrospective, PENN & FASHION , exploring the illustrious career of American photographer Irving Penn photography . Running from September 30, 2026, to January 17, 2027, the exhibition chronicles Penn’s prolific six-decade collaboration with Vogue Irving Penn Foundation.
Irving Penn, Bee on Lips, New York, 1995 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nas Irving Penn Fashion Photography: Minimalist Mastery and Parisian Elegance The exhibition traces Penn’s career chronologically, featuring pivotal works like 1947’s Theatre Accident and 12 Models Moving Their Heads . His work is exemplified by his 1950 naturally lit studio on Rue de Vaugirard, where he employed natural light and a theater curtain backdrop to immortalize haute couture designs by Balenciaga and others. With model Lisa Fonssagrives, Penn emphasized the synergy between fabric and form, redefining how couture was depicted in print.
For enthusiasts of photographic innovation, the Radial Gradient Filters by PolarPro offer in-camera color magic that can transform your photo compositions.
Beyond Couture: The Human Element Parallel to his fashion work, Irving Penn’s Small Trades series captures tradespeople in their work attire, revealing his fascination with clothing as an identity marker. Whether a luxe gown or a vendor’s garb, Penn’s keen eye drew parallels across disparate social spectrums, underscoring the communicative power of apparel. His work also features cultural icons like Christian Dior and Pablo Picasso , further illustrating this theme, and reinforcing his style as a blend of culture and style.
Irving Penn, Issey Miyake Fashion: Face Covered with Hair, New York, 1991 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation Inspired Exchange with Issey Miyake The exhibition delves into Penn’s collaboration with Japanese designer Issey Miyake from 1986 to 1999, another testament to his influence in fashion photography . This long-distance creative partnership saw garments sent from Tokyo to New York for studio photography, transcending geographical barriers. Iconic posters by Ikko Tanaka, incorporating Penn’s images, highlight the fusion of fashion and graphic design, reinforcing Miyake’s visionary legacy.
Irving Penn, Naomi Sims in Scarf, New York, circa 1969 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation Photography as Art: Beauty and Technique Penn’s works extended into the realm of beauty, collaborating with Vogue editor Phyllis Posnick to produce imaginative and surreal compositions. His photography reaches new heights with pieces like Red-Lacquered Lid and Bee on Lips that challenge conventional beauty norms through creative expression. His commitment to platinum-palladium printing underscores a dedication to the tactile and aesthetic qualities of photography, marking a deliberate conclusion to each image.
bringing together photographs from the MEP, the Nicola Erni Collection, and The Irving Penn Foundation Capturing Essence Through Art PENN & FASHION offers an insightful exploration of Irving Penn’s artistry, demonstrating how assignments for Vogue transcended commercial boundaries. This exhibition, with its focus on the relationship between garments and their wearers, invites viewers to look beyond fashion into a realm where art and life converge.
Fans of photography exhibitions might enjoy exploring the artistic experience offered at Aperture’s New Home in New York, a haven for photography lovers with iconic views.
Irving Penn, Man Lighting Girl’s Cigarette (Jean Patchett), New York, 1949 Collection MEP, Paris © The Irving Penn Foundation Irving Penn, Christian Dior, New York, 1947 Collection MEP, Paris. Acquis en 1992. © The Irving Penn Foundation Irving Penn, Red-Lacquered Lid, New York, 1994 Collection MEP, Paris. Acquisition ayant bénéficié du soutien de The Irving Penn Foundation en 2020 © The Irving Penn Foundation Irving Penn, Woman with Heavy Veil, New York, 1966 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation Irving Penn, Woman in Feather Hat, New York, 1991 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman in a Net (Miyake Design), New York, 1993 Collection MEP, Paris. Acquisition ayant bénéficié du soutien de The Irving Penn Foundation en 2020 © The Irving Penn Foundation MEP presents PENN & FASHION | all installation images by Quentin Chevrier the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation the exhibition at MEP follows Penn’s career chronologically the images Penn created changed how couture was presented in fashion magazines tracing Penn’s career from his early assignments for Vogue to his later photographs Penn continued to explore the relationship between clothing, the body, and the way fashion is presented his photographs show how assignments for a fashion magazine could become opportunities to experiment Irving Penn, Ballet Society, New York, 1948 (Corrado Cagli, Vittorio Rieti, Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine) Collection MEP, Paris. © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004 Nicola Erni Collection, Zug © Condé Nast Irving Penn, Young Woman with Headdress, New York, 2005 Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York © The Irving Penn Foundation Sources & Links Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions When does the Irving Penn exhibition at MEP run? The exhibition runs from September 30, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
What does the Irving Penn exhibition at MEP explore? The exhibition explores the illustrious career of American photographer Irving Penn, focusing on his fashion photography.
What technique underscores Irving Penn’s dedication in photography? His commitment to platinum-palladium printing underscores a dedication to the tactile and aesthetic qualities of photography.
