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The exhibition Alexander Vassiliev, “From War to Peace“ (read)



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Projekto parneris keitykla TOP EXCHANGE

All panoramas of this object: Museum of applied arts (40)

Description

FROM WAR TO PEACE. THE FASHION OF THE 1940S AND 1950's From the collection of Alexandre Vassiliev

12 November 2013 – 11 May 2014
Museum and the fashion historian Alexandre Vassiliev, is dedicated to this extraordinary and interesting era.

Fashion, in all its beauty, has always mirrored changes in history. All political, economic and cultural events, social upheavals and wars have always been splendidly reflected in the fashion styles of the time. One of the humankind’s most dramatic periods in modern history was the Second World War, which afterwards was followed by a more or less peaceful period and baby-boom, accompanied by post war flourishing economy in Western Europe and the USA.

War time depression made women change their visual image. Military style in ladies’ fashion dressing showed in elements of military uniforms (epaulets, large buttons and belts), shoulder padding and the usage of dense fabrics. The new silhouette with skirts’ hemlines creeping up, thick-soled platform shoes, high and extravagant headwear, bright colour lipsticks and hair nets, all-in-all, composed modest, but effective and stylish arsenal to fashion ladies’ advantage. Paris – the fashion capital of the world was occupied by the Nazis and many fashion houses were closed down. Alongside clothing designed by several fashion houses which managed to survive during occupation, such as Lanvin, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, the exhibition showcases outfits for top movie stars of the 1940s, created by unknown talented tailors.

In the year 1947 Paris celebrated the opening of a new fashion house Christian Dior. Dior led fashion out the austerity of wartime and stirred up the fashion world by introducing an extravagant silhouette, called The New Look. The new design embodied sexiness, femininity and gracefulness. The image of a woman now was similar to a beautiful, fragrant rose in full blossom. Alongside the Haute Couture fashion dresses created by Christian Dior the exhibition showcases also fashion dresses of his outstanding rivals in the field of fashion design, such as Pierre Balmain, Jacques Fath, Jacques Griffe, Huber de Givenchy, Madame Gres and else. The new post war fashion was particularly welcomed by men; it facilitated the baby-boom style. Haute Couture trends of the time are: a big bust, a wasp waist and a lower hipline. Due to the success of chemical industry new fabrics, such as caprone, nylon and lurex came into daily use and were considered as commonplace materials. The exhibition holds a display of numerous accessories: bibi – small hats adorned with flowers, cat’s-eye sunglasses, plastic bags and extremely high heeled shoes. The photos of such top movie stars as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Gina Lollobrigida and Sophie Lorain help create the overall impression about the modern and glamorous makeup and hairstyles of the time.

The exhibition "From War to Peace. The Fashion of the 1940s and 1950s" will create nostalgic feelings and let the visitors think about the post war days which were so tough, yet full of happiness.

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