No, its not a joke, Lelong asserts.
Its the future of French fashion.
Morale was wobbly, and the city was assembling itself anew while the war continued on.
Théâtre de la Mode: “Palais Royale.” Original 1946 fashions and mannequins in a décor by André Dignimont (recreated by Anne Surgers).
For the Parisian fashion industrywhich, pre-war, had been the final word in fashionrehabilitation was dire.
Export of any kindclothing, sketches, or even sartorial ideaswas totally restricted.
Parisian fashion existed in a Nazi-sealed vacuum.
A scene fromThe New Look.
A scene fromThe New Look.
With the liberation, however, came a feverish creative release.
Theatre de la Mode at the Pavillon de Marsan in Paris in May 1945.
“Théâtre de la Mode” at the Pavillon de Marsan in Paris in May 1945.
On March 28, 1945, Theatre de la Mode opened at the Louvres Marsan Pavilion.
It was a love letter to Paris, from Paris.
Theatre de la Mode: LIle de la Cite.
Théâtre de la Mode: “L’Île de la Cité.” Original 1946 fashions and mannequins in a décor by Georges Douking (recreated by Anne Surgers).
Original 1946 fashions and mannequins in a decor by Georges Douking (recreated by Anne Surgers).
Together, they conceived of the Theatre de la Mode.
It was almost as if you were stepping into a fairytale.
A Schiaparelli dress
You were stepping into a movieit was transportive.
They capture a moment in time and represent the unending creativity and resilience of the French fashion industry.
And asThe New Looksuggests, without the Theatre de la Mode, we may never have seenthe New Look.
A Lucien Lelong dress
A Pacquin dress
A Drecoll dress
Vogue’s coverage of the New York debut of the showcase, which was hosted at 451 Madison Avenue, now the Lotte New York Palace.
