In the heart of Paris, a delightful new exhibition is capturing the imagination of fashion lovers and fans of the classic “Peanuts” comic strip alike. “Snoopy In Style,” which opens its doors this Saturday, offers a whimsical journey through the fashionable history of Snoopy and his endearing gang of friends. Marking the approach of the 75th anniversary of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic on October 2, the exhibition explores the transformation of these iconic characters’ wardrobes and their lasting impact on popular culture.
When Schulz first sketched Charlie Brown, the character wasn’t yet adorned with the now-famous zig-zag shirt. Peppermint Patty’s unconventional take on school attire even preceded significant changes in girls’ uniform policies. Meanwhile, Snoopy’s style has been elevated by renowned fashion houses, including the likes of Chanel, Fendi, and Vivienne Westwood. This exhibition proudly showcases 75 outfits crafted for the toy representations of Snoopy and his sister Belle, with contributions from fashion giants such as Dolce & Gabbana, Betsey Johnson, Zac Posen, and Christian Siriano.
Melissa Menta, an executive with Peanuts Worldwide, emphasized the global reach of these designs. “We have dolls from every single designer around the world,” she enthused. In addition to Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, ensembles from Dolce Gabbana, Balmain, and more, feature prominently. The collection also includes designer sets featuring Lacoste and Valentino by Alessandro Michele.
Jeannie Schulz, the founder of The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, and widow of the cartoonist himself, reflected on how Schulz understood the necessity of distinct styles for his characters. “He realized after a while that you need to know immediately who the character is and what that character represents,” she explained. This realization led to signature looks like Charlie Brown’s stripe, Lucy’s painted dress, and Sally’s bow.
Melissa Menta highlighted how “Peanuts” has resonated differently in the United States and Europe. In America, nostalgic specials such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” dominate public affection for the Peanuts gang. Conversely, in Europe, Snoopy and his friends are often embraced as a fashion phenomenon.
The exhibition also showcases vintage fashion pieces inspired by the Peanuts characters, featuring designs from iconic figures like Marc Jacobs and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. One unforgettable runway moment was the 1989 debut of a jacket completely covered with Snoopy plush toys, modeled by Vanessa Paradis for Castelbajac’s fall-winter collection. Additionally, a “King Snoopy” statue presides over the exhibit, complemented by vintage Peanuts merchandise dating back to the 1960s.
As to why Peanuts continues to charm audiences three-quarters of a century later, Jeannie Schulz speculated on the universal appeal of the characters. “How much is just because that dog is very cute and very lovable and very sweet… (and) how much also the comic strip represents humanity,” she pondered. The comic’s exploration of human anxieties resonates deeply, whether it’s Snoopy wondering about his likability or Charlie Brown contemplating his place in the world.
The exhibition remains open to the public from March 22 to April 5 at the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in Paris’ quaint Marais district, offering a nostalgic and stylish experience free of charge.