The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris takes you through the history of fashion with its exhibition Tenue correct demandee: Quand le garment fait scandale. With its 300 pieces, this temporary exhibition explores dress codes and their evolutions from the fourteenth century to the present day.
Clothing and fashion "faux pas" through the ages
Clothing, a sign of humanity, of belonging to a group, a class, is a necessary code for life in society. If it has strict rules, they are not so immutable. Here, the garment takes for its rank. The judgments "too short", "too long", "too broad", "too tight" are incredibly changing standards.
Fun and surprising anecdotes
Moving through the centuries, from "French" dresses to Stan Smiths, we have fun with evolutions and we enjoy anecdotes. Did you know, for example, that the Tuxedo was not a ceremonial garment but on the contrary, it was only worn in the absence of the ladies and for smoking? Because yes, men are not left out. Contrary to popular belief, men were subject to etiquette even more strictly than women. And you'd surely be surprised to see what was going on.
Real fashion mirror of society
Didactic and amusing, the composition of this exhibition also seeks to denounce and question the dictates of fashion that society (so ourselves?) imposes on us, by showing how, until today, it has evolved: by scandal. The exhibition gives pride of place to those who have transgressed the codes, despite the criticism.
Fashion reflects society, just as, sometimes, it shapes it. This is what this exhibition shows us, starting with excerpts from etiquette manuals and videos by Cristina Cordula, television "image consultant". Fashion is then a tool of propriety. The exhibition ends, in opposition, with a transgressive fashion: with the controversial creations of great designers, who have instead tried to upset the codes.
Do not hesitate to see Correct Dress Required: When the garment causes scandal, until April 23, 2017, at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
