Oh, Paris, there is so much to see that it breaks my heart that I can not come at once.
Three fabulous fashion-related exhibitions are currently taking place that I strongly recommend one sees.
Leave it to the French to display gorgeous couture clothing in even more gorgeous surroundings. The fashion genius Hubert de Givenchy is curating an exhibition of clothing designed by three masters of haute couture, Balenciaga, Venet, and of course, Givnechy. The clothing will be on display at the Château de Haroué until August 17, 2010. Approximately 40 ensembles will be on view, including the famous black dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” that was created for her by Givenchy. The Château is a masterpiece in itself. It is the work of the French architect Germain Boffrand for Prince Marc de Beauvau-Craon, whose descendents still calls the 18th century château, which also include numerous gardens, home.
“An Idealized History of Fashion vol. 1: 70-80” is on view at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (until October 10, 2010). The exhibition highlights the work of the movers and shakers of the 70s and 80s: YSL, Issey Miyake, Thierry Mugler, Claude Montana, Azzadine Alaia, and Christian Lacroix amongst others. The exhibition is a must see not only because it helps us relive the wild and crazy fashions of those two decades but also because it is a multimedia spectacle featuring 40 films and videos that bring it all to life. The continuation of this exhibit, which will chronicle 90’s fashion through today, will open on November 25th.
And finally, last month I mentioned the YSL retrospective also happening in Paris, at the Petit Palais, Beaux-Arts Museum (through August 29, 2010). Well as I am unable to travel there and bring you a first hand account of the deliriously beautiful clothing on display, 1stdibs did me a favor and sent Jean Bond Rafferty instead. The pictures which accompany her article are divine. Please take a look. It is certainly worth your while.
In other fashion news, I recently read that Christie’s London, South Kensington will auction off the wardrobe of the late fashion goddess Isabella Blow on September 15th. The sale will feature 90 pieces by, another late and great fashion emissary, Alexander McQueen, 50 hats by Philip Treacy, and shoes by Manolo Blahnik. Blow was known, and admired, for her outrageous wardrobe and a passion for young designers. In fact, she is responsible for McQueen’s rise to fame having purchased his entire graduation collection from Central St. Martins. I have read some mixed reactions to this sale and will be curious to see how this story will unfold. McQueen and Blow were devoted to each other as only an artist and his muse can be. The argument is that the clothing deserves to be placed in a museum in memory of this extraordinary partnership and not sold-off to the highest bidder.
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