29 April 2010

Goddess of.. Haute Couture!

Sunday was the best day of my weekend! Mom and I drove out of town to go see the museum exhibit on The Golden Age of Couture : Paris & London - 1947 to 1957.

The museum had over 215 pieces (most if not all came where shipped in from the Victoria & Albert museum in London) of "Haute Couture" fashion from the late '40s & '50s and they did not disappoint. It's no secret that I have a very profound interest in fashion so this exhibit was really wonderful for me.

The expression "golden age of couture" was coined by Dior and mainly refers to the post-WW2 period when the "new look" was created in reaction to the deprivation & sacrifices brought on by World War 2. The "new look" term came from Carmel Snow, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, to describe this figure marked by a very thin waist & round and fleshy shoulders. In other words, the "new look" got rid of clothes that hid the female form.

Allow me to share some of the couture beauties that were on display.

Christian Dior
"Zémire" evening ensemble
fall / winter collection
1954-1955

Christian Dior
"Bar" suit and hat
About 1955

Christian Dior
"Cygne Noir" (Black swan) evening dress
1949

Cristóbal Balenciaga
"Barrel" suit
1951

Cristóbal Balenciaga
Evening dress (The bow is Dior inspired)
About 1955

Balmain
Dress and petticoat
About 1950

Balmain
Evening dress
About 1950

Jean Dessès
Evening dress
About 1953

Jean Dessès
Evening dress
1948

Jean Dessès
Evening dress
1951
 
There were many more but this is just a looksie for you, bloggies.

Happy thirst-day, bloggies !



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4 comments:

Cat said...

Wow...this is fascinating! I would love to see this exhibit...I am absolutely obsessed with couture clothing!!!!!

siovhan said...

I LOVE all the gowns. The black Dior and the pink Balenciaga -- oh, to die for. That exhibit must be freaking AMAZING!!

justme said...

just found your blog! i love it. i would LOVE to win the skull necklace!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Loved your Shoptopia post lady. Welcome! And that black Dior. I DIE!