The lush fashion exhibition, Napoleon and the Empire of Fashion, closed in Milan in September. On the website, readers are still allowed to choose where they would like it to travel next!
The beautiful cameo necklace and earrings complete this evening ensemble.
The catalogue, written by Cristina Barreto and Martin Lancaster, is sumptuous and filled with color photographs. The clothes are compared to fashion illustrations of the day. One cannot get a better education of French fashion during this period than this book. This video and the link to the slide show below it show what we have missed by not traveling to Milan last spring and summer.
Napoleon’s desire to protect the garment industry in France after the French Revolution resulted in an explosion of designs that propelled the French fashion industry to the forefront, making it hugely influential. By encouraging women to purchase many gowns (so that they would not be seen in the same dress too often), France became synonymous with fashion. See the slide show of images from the exhibition by clicking on this link.
The many French fashions shown from the 1795-1810 years
Vote where you would like the exhibit to travel next. If the exhibit comes to New York, I hope to see the same mannequins. Aren’t they simply superb?
Napoleon and the Empire of Fashion in Milan
Order the catalog at Amazon: It ships within 1-3 months.
Jane Austen's World 
très belle vidéo
merci pour ce petit coup d’ oeil sur le style empire
Edith
France
London is the obvious choice, as N never got to visit it himself . .
It looks like Paris is the top choice, followed by New York. If it went to London, it would give yet another excuse to plan a visit!
Barbara in An Infamous Army wears a sheer exposed gown to a ball just like the one shown in the video. She was supposed to have shopped in Paris so it makes sense.
Why is the presenter on Fashion TV so poorly dressed? She attracts attention in the wrong way.
What a great look into the fashion of the era. The gowns and accessories are exquisite. I hope the exhibit makes it to Chicago.
That was exquisite. I could only hope to see a collection like that in person. But as Chicago is within a day’s journey for me, I’m with your vote Isabella. (-;
I remember that scene from Georgette Heyer’s Infamous Army book, Patty. You’re so right.
Thanks so much for the post, videos, and slideshow.
I love this video!
It’s a beautiful fashion!
I love costumes!
Thanks for sharing!
Have a good evening!
(1) Fashion and Textile Museum in London;
(2) Fashion Museum in Bath (Somerset, England: in the same building where the Assembly Rooms are located)
Looks like Paris is the top choice all right… Wish it would go to London, I’ve already a list of exhibitions to get over there to see.
The clothes are stunning, but, the mannequins are the real stars. They make the clothing come alive. I would love to see this exhibit to Vic. Let’s hope it comes to the US, or we hit the lottery and can go to London!
Chicago or New York? Definitely Chicago. I think it’s more accessible (and cheaper by far) to visit. Have it in Chicago and I’ll go there for the weekend and see it…Have it in New York and…well, I’ve never been to New York.