Gorgeous Spanish Costumes

As a huge fan of fashion, I am always curious to find out clothing inspiration.

Today, I visited the exhibition dedicated to Spanish costumes, in Maison de Victor Hugo, place des Vosges. I found out that the famous French writer was a great, if not the greatest, lover of Spain. The installation shows a remarkable selection of traditional Spanish costumes borrowed from the collections of the Museo del Trade, the Museum of Costume and Ethnological Heritage in Madrid.

It's been organized with the help of Galliera fashion museum, which is hosting a Spanish season. I already had the chance to see the exhibition about Balenciaga and I am looking forward to seeing the first Paris retrospective of work by Mariano Fortuny, at Galliera museum, starting October 4th.

As far as the exhibition at Maison Victor Hugo is concerned, even though it's quite small (about 40 costumes are presented), I liked it very much. I was surprised to see how much details there were on the costumes. The materials, the embroidery, the colors, everything was interesting, especially knowing that the pieces were elaborated between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 20th! 

And as a photo fan, I enjoyed very much the photographs by José Ortiz Echagüe (1886-1980) showing landscape, monuments, local inhabitants and their rituals. It was a great idea to mix the two: the costumes and the pictures.

The exhibition is on until September 24th, 2017

Maison Victor Hugo

6 Place des Vosges - 75004 Paris

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

Musée Grevin

I had such a great time today at Musée Grévin, the French wax figures museum.

I hadn't been there for the last 12 years or so and everything has completely changed. Both the sections and the wax figures are new. And it's for the best. The wax figures look so real; it's breath-taking! And I wasn't the only one to be positively surprised. During my visit, I heard several people noticing that the setting had changed since their last visit and that it was much better. 

The 200 true-to-life celebrities  represent both French and international stars. New celebrities have been added along the years (Katy Perry or Lionel Messi for instance). It's fun for young and old alike to pose next to the figures.

I liked everything but my favorite moment was at the very end of the visit, when we were in the Hall of Columns. This Baroque sculptured setting, ornamented in gilt and marble, is just magnificent. The vaulted ceiling is supported by 12 columns with bronze capitals.  Five sculptures of women representing the five continents look down from each bay.

As far as the children are concerned, even though they liked every moment of their visit, they seemed to have preferred the section dedicated to the TV talent show "The Voice". They were thrilled to be able to take part in the show, either singing in a little recording studio, or sitting in the famous judges red chairs.

And by the way, this year, the museum celebrates its 135th anniversary! 

Musée Grévin

10 boulevard Montmartre - 75009 Paris - Everyday, 9am to 7pm

The stunning Cara Delevingne

With the talented Pierre Hermé

Stunning Dior exhibition

I you follow me on Instagram, you will have noticed that today I went to see the Dior exhibition, hosted by Musée des Arts Décoratifs and I just loved it. Honestly, it's one of the most beautiful exhibitions I have ever seen.  

It's been set up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the creation of the beautiful Maison Dior and it's just magnificent. The space dedicated to the installation is the biggest ever used by the museum for such an event: together with the usual two levels of the fashion area, the curators have invested the opposite nave. By the way, do make sure you don't miss this part. It was my favourite. It's dedicated to the creations of the couturiers who succeeded Monsieur Dior: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and recently Maria Grazia Chiuri. 

So, as I said, it's huge. There is so much to see: hundred of documents, accessories (hats, jewellery, bags, shoes, perfume bottles), paintings, furniture and... over 300 magnificent Haute Couture gowns designed between 1947 and today.

To me, the best moment, even though, I liked every moment of it, was in the last room, where tens of gowns worn by queens, princesses and actresses are presented. These unique pieces are stunning and knowing that such famous people worn them makes it even more impressive. I loved the fact that these beauties are presented in such a giant room with a sky-high ceiling. And the staging! Wow! Just wow! There is music in the background, lights are changing... Everything is just perfect!

The only drawback of this afternoon, is that the exhibition is victim of its own success and there were far too many visitors at the same time for me. Especially, on the first floor. You also may have to queue for around 2 hours before getting in! To avoid that, I would recommend to buy a ticket on-line, on the website of the museum. That's what I did and I entered straight away.

Bisous.  💛

Until January 7th, 2018

Musée des Arts décoratifs

107 rue de Rivoli - 75001 Paris 

Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm - Late opening Thursday, until 9pm