The Museum at FIT has opened the latest show in its Special Exhibitions Gallery – and “Paris Refashioned, 1957-1968” offers a fashionable step back in time.
In advance press materials, the museum shared that, “While many books and exhibitions about this era position London as the center of innovative, youth-oriented design, this limited perspective overlooks the significant role that Paris continued to play in the fashion industry.”
The show explores the influences of French haute couture, ready-to-wear and popular culture of the day, with an emphasis on how the times were viewed by the American fashion press.
Some 115 objects fill the exhibition, with a selection of coats, suits, day dresses, separates, sportswear, pantsuits, cocktail dresses, evening dresses, ball gowns, hats, bags and shoes.
Clearly, it’s quite comprehensive, further illustrated by the list of designers and labels – think Cristóbal Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin, Gabrielle Chanel, André Courrèges, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Madame Grès, Lanvin, Paco Rabanne, Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Roger Vivier and so many others. All fashions and accessories on view were selected from The Museum at FIT’s permanent collection of more than 50,000 objects.
The Jan. 9 snowstorm derailed WAG’s plan to preview the show, so we anxiously await our visit – bet you feel the same.
“Paris Refashioned, 1957-1968” continues through April 15. The Museum at FIT is on the campus of the Fashion Institute of Technology on Seventh Avenue at 27th Street in Manhattan.
For more, visit fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/paris-refashioned.php.
– Mary Shustack
