Okay, fellas, it’s time to think about making an impression on Valentine’s Day. You can do like every other guy in town and take the love of your life flowers. Or, you can score lots of points by offering her a gift of the gods that’s 18 karat gold. In Paris, prices range from a couple of hundred Euros for a modest bauble from Tati’s “fine jewelry” boutique, to two or three times that at Galeries Lafayette, or maybe 50 times that for the Cartier dream. Continue reading “Paris Valentine with the Midas Touch”
Barbie, an American Icon in Paris
For the first time ever, a major French art museum has dedicated it’s space to one of the most famous American icons of our times….Barbie!
Throughout 1500 square meters within the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, 700 dolls tell the story of Barbie and her impact on pop culture. By the nature of the subject matter, it is easy to forget this show is a cultural exhibition and not a toy store display. Continue reading “Barbie, an American Icon in Paris”
Yves Saint Laurent’s 1971 Scandal
Last week, while having a drink with a friend at an outdoor cafe, we were commenting on how horrible the people on the street were dressed. “Everybody dresses like rats,” I said with disdain. “True. There is a lack of elegance and style on the street,” my friend added. With that, we headed a few blocks over to see some “real” fashion at the exhibition, “Yves Saint Laurent: 1971.” Continue reading “Yves Saint Laurent’s 1971 Scandal”
“Gaultier,” The Exhibition
After showcasing the works of France’s “bad boy” of fashion in nine other cities around the world, the much anticipated “Gaultier” exhibition has finally landed in Paris. For this tenth edition, installations were specifically designed for its newest venue, Le Grand Palais, and clips from French cinema and early TV personal designer were added. Moreover, about a third of the garments were replaced with others from his most recent couture collections, all in an effort to keep the show fresh and revelent. Continue reading ““Gaultier,” The Exhibition”
Cartier… a History of Style
The most dazzling ornaments aren’t found in any Paris department store this year, instead you will need to head over to the newest exhibition to open at the Grand Palais, “Cartier: Style and History.” Conceived as a history of decorative arts, this show of breathless baubles tells not only the story of Cartier but also retraces the evolution of tastes, aesthetics and diversity of cultures within the jewelry industry as told through precious stones and metals. Continue reading “Cartier… a History of Style”
Louis Vuitton & Marc Jacobs at Arts Decoratifs
What does an innovative French luggage maker from the 1800’s have in common with a cutting edge American garment designer operating today? The current exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs takes a look at the renowned luggage firm of Louis Vuitton, the fashion environment and products created by its founder in the 1800’s as they contrast those of its current artistic director, Marc Jacobs. Continue reading “Louis Vuitton & Marc Jacobs at Arts Decoratifs”
Balenciaga and Comme Des Garcons
While the Palais Galliera which houses the Musee de la Mode et du Textile, is involved with the renovation of its building, it continues with its “Outside Walls” program, a schedule of fashion exhibitions held in a variety of spaces and around Paris. This spring, director Olivier Saillard has taken part of its archives and set up two shows at Les Docks, Cite de la Mode et du Design. On view until October 7, 2012 are two elegant and wildly contrasting fashion fexhibitions: “Balenciaga, Fashion Collector” and “Comme des Garcons: White Drama.” Continue reading “Balenciaga and Comme Des Garcons”
Jean Paul Goude Retrospective
Often, the term “Pygmalion” is used to describe artist, Jean-Paul Goude and the intimate rapport he has with his muses. However, instead of sculpting object of desires out of stone, Goude transforms women with whom he cultivates a relationship into his living, breathing works of mythical art. Call it “Goudemalion,” a term reflected in the Musee des Arts Decoratif’s latest exhibition paying homage to the brilliant mind of image maker/art director, Jean-Paul Goude. Continue reading “Jean Paul Goude Retrospective”
Fashion Revolution Revisited
Just in case you missed the critically acclaimed retrospective exhibition of Yves Saint Laurent’s career last year, you still have a chance to catch part of the master couturier’s work at the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent situated in the 16th arrondisement in the same building that once housed his Haute Couture operations. On through July 17, 2011. Continue reading “Fashion Revolution Revisited”
The Timless Elegance of Madame Grès
Paris loves to put on a great show. And what better way to show off French savoir-faire than by providing visitors to the French Capital a glimpse of its illustrious High Fashion tradition. Palais Galliera is kicking off its new season with a glorious exhibition honoring Madame Gres housed at the Musee Bourdelle through July 24, 2011. The museum, situated in the vicinity of the Montparnasse Tower, is the former atelier of Antoine Bourdelle, a former student of Rodin. Its rooms and courtyard are chocked full of massive bronze statues and equestrian figures, busts and reliefs. So, you might wonder, what does a sculptor museum have in common with a high fashion designer? Continue reading “The Timless Elegance of Madame Grès”
Coco Chanel… Avant and Toujours
The Paris buzz this week is all about Anne Fontaine’s new film “Coco Avant Chanel” starring a perfect for the part Audrey Tautou. Based on a Chanel biography “l”Irreguliere” (The Nonconformist) by Edmonde Charles-Roux, the film (in French) tells the tale of the designer’s early years and her remarkable rise to fame and fortune. Continue reading “Coco Chanel… Avant and Toujours”