Paris Highlights: Lanvin

On my very last day in Paris, I ran over to the Palais Galliera to see the exhibit on Jeanne Lanvin.

I've never seen such gorgeous clothes before in all my life. Breathtaking! But, of course, no photos. And no photos in the catalog really do the pieces justice. For one, the photos can't capture the exquisite detailing. But also, many pieces are laid out flat, like in the poster above. You can't see the beautiful drape and drama of the dress as it's meant to be--which is on a person (or mannequin). Just look at the difference:

via

So here are a bunch of other people's photos:

This is the first dress I saw when I walked in. So cool. Love the sculptural shape and the black effect that you can't really see in this photo.

"My Fair Lady" dress, 1939
white organdy ribbon on white tulle, with black fastening tape, giving a black effect, large black taffeta knot

There were a number of books/albums of embroidery:

And sometimes they were displayed so you could see the sample next to the beading/embroidery in practice:

Robe de style "Colombine," 1924-25

This is a swimsuit:

Maillot "Vogue," 1924

This dress used alternating ruched ribbons of velvet and satin on tulle.

Left:
Center: Reception enseble, "Revirence," 1938
Right: Indoor dress, "La Fresque," 1933 & Orange crepe dress, 1936

Dress "La Cavallini," 1925

Dress, "Lesbos," 1925

Evening dress, "Bocage," 1933

1920-1921

Evening gown, "Scintillante," 1939

Paris Highlights: Fashion & Style

Paris style is one of my favorite things about visiting. I love watching people and seeing the trends. The French are either totally and completely put together, or they look like they're accidentally beautiful (that effortless thrown-together-but-everything-looks-perfect thing).

Try as I might to get good photos, I failed miserably. I did get a few good shots, but mostly I got blurry shots that provide an example of French fashion but are terrible photos. And I got almost no photos of true fashionistas--the ones who are so stylish, they stop you in your tracks. So here's some of the shots of day to day French fashion.

In Jardin du Luxembourg during warm weather.

Notice the old lady in the background--her fake eyelashes resembled grosgrain ribbon.

On the streets of Paris in warm weather

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Overcast in Jardin du Luxembourg

On the streets of Paris

We stumbled upon a Viktor & Rolf boutique that I didn't even know existed. I LOVE Viktor & Rolf. I saw an exhibit in Paris 10 years ago on them that kind of blew my mind. They're conceptual and avant garde and they're known for their complicated patterns.

We were walking along Rue St Honoré (one of the many Rodeo Drives of Paris), and there it was.

The whole interior was covered in a charcoal felt-like material.

Downstairs

The very chic guy who worked there informed us that the store would be closing soon because Viktor & Rolf will no longer be selling ready to wear. He encouraged me try on anything I wanted. When my dad told him what a huge fan I was of Viktor & Rolf, he went in the back and brought back Viktor & Rolf tote bags--freebies--and asked if I would want one. Then he wrapped them up as if they were couture. Three days after my sprained ankle, this was a much needed boost.

See how the tissue paper is folded like an accordion?

After this happy accident, we walked around Place Vendome, which is nothing but the highest end jewelry. Dior, Patek Philippe, Chaumet, Chanel, etc. Beautiful stuff.