- Under the Crinoline Empire (1852-1870) - Expo

From Saturday, November 29 2008 to Sunday, April 26 2009

Dressed to kill…

This fascinating exhibition will deal with fashion under the Second French Empire. Dressmaking, hair-styling, painted accessories, prints and photographs… A total exceeding 300 items will be on display, transporting visitors to a time when feminine beauty was defined in terms of voluptuous curves in the vein of Ingres' nudes.

Crinoline dresses were the iconic garment of the period: tight corset over round shoulders, waists crushed to wasp-size and adorned with an ocean of moiré, taffeta, tulle and intricate lacework…

Fashion of the time swung from extreme refinement to a loud, colourful style which was becoming all the rage. With their flashy stripes and prints, these bright dresses were loaded with ornamentation, ribbons, flower garlands and more… Women would change their attire and powder their noses up to five times in a day so as to keep up with the rush of social life: dinners, concerts, shows, receptions…