Vogue at Versailles

Errr…. That is Vogue at Le Grand Trianon, the home of Louis XIV’s mistress, Francoise-Athénäis, the marquise of Montespan. It’s an impressive building with rooms kept completely in reds or yellows or reds which is enough to awe any visitor. But until October visitors are treated to another form of grandeur. At the Grand Trianon there is an exhibition called The 18th Century Back in Fashion which features pieces from the haute couture, but also ready-to-wear, collections of several modern/contemporary designers.

I thought I’d show off a couple of the gowns exhibited among the 56 pieces at the exhibition. The pieces can usually be found at the Museum Galliera. Apart from the modern gowns, authentic 18th century pieces can be seen, for comparison.

Seeing these amazing dresses etc. in the flesh, so to speak, in such an impressive place was definitely the highlight of our visit to Versailles.

The photos are taken by Julie Ansiau. I make no money from this, all rights reserved to Vogue and Julie Ansiau.

Christian Dior.

Pink taffeta by Doutzen Kroues, inspired by Fragonard. 2007.

Pale green tulle. 2011.

Christian Dior. Better view of the one above.

Christian Dior. Better view of the one above

Bit big for a bedroom, mind.

Robe á la Francaise, 1755-1760

Rochas, 2006.

This gown was created in relation to Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.

Jean-Paul Gaultier jacket inspired by the wide paniers of the 18th century.

Christian Dior, 2004-05.

Amazingly over the top.

Underwear, 1765, showing exactly what went on under those beautiful gowns.

Vivienne Westwood, 1991.

Christian Lacroix, 1995-96.

I mean, w-o-w.

Christian Lacroix, 1998-99

Vivienne Westwood

I had to include this because of the gorgeous fabric used.

Givenchy by Alexander McQueen.

He was just a genius, wasn’t he?

Vivienne Westwood from the collection Vive la Cocotte, 1995-96

Nicolas Ghesquiére for Balenciaga, 2006

Pierre Balmain, 1954

Isn’t it amazing how the 18th century fashions were relevant in the 50s and continue to influence fashion until today?

Christian Dior, 1954

Thierry Mugler, 1992-93

Sometimes I think I missed my calling as a Goth. I could totally wear this.

Thierry Mugler, 1997-98

I just love this one.

The entire slideshow can be seen here.

And just to finish, here’s a portrait of Madame de Montespan herself:

Busy, busy, busy!

There hasn’t been much activity on this blog for some time. I’ve been getting ready to move – as I’ve been accepted into the European Union’s Erasmus program, I will be moving to Edinburgh for a year in the first week of September.

I’m nervous. And excited. But mostly, busy. I’ve been struggling with official websites that for some ungodly reason hide the exact information you need in the deepest, darkest recesses of their websites, and filled out form after official form just to make sure my home university would accept my year abroad.

The Danish ministries of Education and Science have openly endorsed sending students abroad. They talk about brainpower, broadening horizons, bringing home internationally educated students that will propel the Danish business and science sectors forward. I don’t really identify with any of that, probably because I’m an Arts and Humanities student.

For the past year or so I’ve been so worried about, and focused on, my year abroad that it came to feel more important than my year here. Now, that the leaving date is rapidly nearing I can’t stop worrying about what will happen after I’m done.

Basically, I can’t wait to be in Edinburgh because then it will feel real.

I’d like to promise more activity on this blog, but I hate making promises I can’t keep, so consider this blog on a sort of semi-hiatus. I won’t stop posting, but I don’t know how much and how often.

ETA: I went to France (and Paris) over the summer, and actually made it to Versailles this time, so if my family ever uploads the pictures they took (my camera was left at home by mistake), I’ll be sure to share them here It was a fantastic visit, specifically the fashion exhibit at Le Grand Trianon that we weren’t allowed to photograph. It had rococo-inspired clothes designed by people like Vivienne Westwood, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. Fabulously fantastic!

Anyway, here’s a beautiful picture by Alphonse Mucha that I really like. I actually really like most things Alphonse Mucha (and generally anything Jugend).