Having barely scratched the surface of the exhibition during the MIA Gala, I returned on a separate trip a few weeks later with a good fashion-loving friend and her daughter. We were able to leisurely and thoroughly take in the exquisite beauty of the 80 haute couture masterpieces.
Above left: Minneapolis Institute of Arts Paris Couture exhibit sign describing haute couture. Above right: My friend’s daughter and me in front of the Paris Couture sign.
My Love of French Fashion
Never one to miss an opportunity to dress for an occasion, I decided to embrace the French theme with a few pieces from my own wardrobe. I wore a cream-colored Chanel jacket with black patent leather trim and a matching hair bow, a Sandro long short, black tights, and a new pair of Carel Mary Jane patent leather shoes. (Might I add that these shoes are magically comfortable? Those of us at of a certain age can appreciate stylish footwear that can withstand hours of walking!)
Here I am at the exhibit:
My love affair with French fashion began in 1979, during my first visit to Paris. I specifically remember my elegant French mother sporting a beautiful Christian Dior bag. (I stayed with a French family as part of my high school’s program during my inaugural visit to Paris.) I have admired the legendary houses of Dior, Chanel, YSL, and the like, but am equally enamored with more contemporary brands such as Tara Jarmon, Anne Fontaine, and Maje/Sandro.
Now, come along for a short photographic tour of some of my favorite pieces spanning more than a century of extraordinary French fashion. The pieces are displayed chronologically so that one can see the evolution of fashion through the ages. The exhibition illustrates that current trends often recall elements of the past.
My Photograph Tour
This particular gown took my breath away with its exquisite design and sequin and beaded embellishments.
1930’s Paris couture Cyclone dress by Jeanne Lanvin.
I love the elegant simplicity of both of these white gowns. The first dress is a 1931 bias-cut satin sheath dress. I’m captivated by the geometric texture and weight of the second dress, designed about a decade later.
These two dresses were shown in the same display. I fell in love with the pink poofy dress. My friend who joined me at the exhibit favored the Balenciaga. It was her favorite dress of the entire exhibit.
Above left: Nina Ricci spring/summer 1964 silk satin embroidered evening dress. Above right: Paris couture Balenciaga spring/summer 1962 evening dress with organza tulle, silk appliqués, beads, and silk satin ribbon.
I’ve already picked my dress for Christmas. Lol. This dress is gasp-worthy. Of all the dresses I saw, I love this one the most. Its detail is opulent and I think it’s positively stunning.
1954 Paris couture Antonia formal evening gown by Pierre Balmain. Orlon satin with glass beads and chiffon appliqués inspired by luxurious 17th century carved wooden furniture.
I always felt like I was born a decade too late. I could see myself wearing many dresses from the ‘50s and ‘60s and still gravitate toward vintage finds from that era. From the ¾-length sleeves and below-the-knee hemline of the ‘50s to the sleeveless straight-cut dresses of the ‘60, I find these flattering to my body-type. The last photo is from the ‘70s which has a look of its own too.
Do you see an evolution in these dresses from the 2020s and the dresses from the 1920s and onward?
I’m planning yet another visit with a different fashion-loving friend before the exhibition leaves Minneapolis. Apparently, I can’t get enough of ogling these beauties. And I have a feeling I’ll leave just as inspired as I did before. What kinds of visually-appealing displays or presentations inspire you?