50 inventions with French origins

Curated by Alliance Française’ team, the ICONIC exhibition was built around the theme of invention, as a driving force to evolution and modernization. Lot of creations have changed our habits, our ways to live, work and play in many areas. The exhibition was focused on 50 French inventions skilfully presented in the art gallery specially transformed into a one-room apartment.

Our Galerie turned into an apartment

Throughout the visit of this apartment decorated with exceptional furniture, visitors could discover the story of these technical, clothing and daily-life inventions, whether their French origins are well-known or rather passed unnoticed. Indeed, this exhibition allowed the public to learn that some daily objects were made in France, such as for example the folding umbrella, the smart card or the "sergé de Nîmes", a fabric woven in Nimes which composes our jeans.

Other French inventions from our ICONIC exhibition include the K-WAY, created by Léon Claude Duhamel in 1965, despite its English name. The K-WAY changed the world of rainwear with the fabric, a coated nylon, soft, light and waterproof, and the possibility to store it in a bumbag.

But also the sewing machine, invented by Barthélémy Thimonnier in 1830. He filed the first patent for a “sewing machine” made of wood with a continuous thread, in chain stitch, sewing 200 stitches per minute. It was the first practical sewing machine. Moreover, Barthélémy Thimmonier opened the first clothing factory in the world using sewing machines for production. 

The exhibition also showcased the success-story of the Kelly-bag by Hermes, the Lacoste polo shirt, the bikini popularized by Brigitte Bardot, the Cadolle bra or the modern lipstick and perfume created by Guerlain, among so many others.

An exhibition made for all ages

The exhibition was suitable for children and adults with a treasure hunt organized by Alliance Française’ team. Given some clues, visitors had to find the 50 French inventions hidden in the pop-up apartment. Great fun!