What: La Samaritaine is putting on an exhibition exploring fashion’s creative process, themed “Atelier Mode.”

Why is it important: The department store is launching its first store-wide exhibition.

In the store’s central stage until May 12 is the “La Mode Est Un Jeu” exhibition, dedicated to fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld. It will explore his radical approach to composition, optical illusions, and depth of field using techniques such as translucent screens or putting negatives in the refrigerator.

La Samaritaine will also offer more hands-on opportunities, from do-it-yourself kits in the “Boutique de Loulou” selection, to workshops including live sketching sessions on weekends that include designing a look virtually through a sketching app or IRL, with a selection of fabrics from deadstock platform Nona Source or learning how to do makeup like a runway pro in the beauty department.

Brands like Dior, Destree and By Far will also get in step with the program by being given free rein for a week to showcase their creative universes through in-store events.

The store-wide exhibition will roll out in-store and online for 12 weeks starting February 17th.

La Samaritaine’s storewide exhibition themed: “Atelier Mode”