Now home to a trio of exhibitions Paris exhibits three centuries of French history, styles and fashions:

  • “Joséphine” at the Musée du Luxembourg  crowned as Empress of France ,has been assigned the role of “an ambassador” in charge of promoting luxury “Made in France.”
    “She wore three to four different dresses a day and rarely wore the same dress twice,” said Alain Pougetoux, the exhibition’s curator.

    Joséphine’s preferred tailor was Hippolyte Leroy, who supplied her with dresses embellished with embroideries, pearls, rubies and diamonds, some of which are on display here.

• “From Watteau to Fragonard” at the Musée Jacquemart-Andre through July 21: Showcases 18th-century France people dressed with intent, and clothes delivered a message; it was all about presentation and self-definition.”

The fetes galantes coincided with a strong period in the French textile industry, as Chantilly lace and Lyon silk were in abundance. Watteau was so fond of the most conspicuous dress of the epoch, a lavishly draped gown with a box pleat in the back, that it henceforth became known as the “Watteau dress.”

• “Paris 1900” at the Petit Palais until Aug. 17: The exhibition gives a glimpse of the early days of couture as well as the dynamic Art Nouveau movement, which quickly transitioned from art and interiors to fashion and jewelry.