As I often do when I first arrive at one of my showrooms, I open my personal mailbox. Amongst the many messages and mails that I receive, I know that my usual report and news from Fashion Office (Europe), will bring interesting insights about the world of fashion. With great delight I will share the following with you.
As far as Couture goes, the Paris of the 1940's saw perhaps its darkest moment. This was a most difficult time, and many houses had to close their doors for good while others had to struggle to stay afloat. The House of Calvet with their famous Callot label managed to remain open during these difficult times; but adaptation was the name of the game, and thus it had to adapt to the challenges of war-time. Read on.
Accessories and Artifacts: Women's Lives in Paris 1940-1944
This was the era of the sling bag and platform shoes with wooden soles; of such imitation fabrics as rayon and viscose; of unconventional materials like newspaper and wood; and of used car tyres and offcuts of fabric and leather. The exhibited hats, bags, shoes and other artifacts from the occupied Paris are put into context with photos, fashion magazines, newsreels and sheet music for popular songs.
Fashion accessories played a major role in terms both of function and the uses they were put to. A scarf bearing Pétain's portrait served as Vichy propaganda, while the Resistance hid leaflets in bags with false bottoms and trick linings. So fashion remained a part of everyday life for Parisiennes, from moments of tragedy to the explosion of joy that came with the Liberation.
During wartime the restrictions turned fashion designers, tradesmen, manufacturers, and women into experts in the art and craft of recycling and substitution.
Now, from 20 May to 15 November 2009 the Parisian Mémorial-Musée exhibits in association with the Galliera City of Paris Fashion Museum 300 fashion items, especially accessories, from the years of occupation (1940-44).
In my opinion this is a must-see exhibition. Hope to see you there!
Marcela
