Berber Femmes de Moroc - Drees van Notan

Two fashion exhibits closely related in my opinion - The Berber women of Maroc I've been passing in the Metro now that I'm back on three feet and Drees.
 

With all your encouragement you have me sketching like a Banshi. Wonderful small show at the YSL-Pierre Berge Fondation.
 

Weaving, potter, jewelry, clothing of Berber women of Northern Morocco from the museum on YSL's Jardin Marjorelle in Marakech chosen from a collection of over 400 pieces. It's eas to see how these influenced St.Laurant's designs in a deep, pervasive way.
 

The exhibits at the Fondation are usually small but elegant and inspiring. Plus they have a terrific, affordable little gift shop upstairs - I always find something to delight.
 

A multi-media presentation of traditional clothes and adornment. beautiful objects—carpets, cloaks, woven belts, necklaces of amber and coral, silver brooches.
 

Berber women wore intensely decorative clothing
 

With a geometrical twist reminded me of Calissons d'Aix candies.
 

And layered effects just like the Haribo bonbon stand at Odeon.
 

Over at the musee arts Decoratif the Drees Van Notan exhibit (extended through Nov 2) has it's Moroccan and bonbon tendencies.
 

Lots of pattern on pattern, embroidery and sparkle thrown on top.
 

Rock influences and a whole slew of contemporary painters plus other fashion designers are on display at Decoratif.
 

Vivenne Westwood's famous 'Happy' hat for Pharrell Williams.
 

Dior's 1947 New Look will be forever, shown here again next to a Yves Klein blue nude.
 

Pinched-in waists
 

Were picked up and carried on when YSL took over the Dior Maison.
 

The forever bow/noed at the waist
 

YSL's 1979 swirly taffeta robe de soir is an homage to Diaghilev. References..references. 
 

More baubles and beads 
 

Cherry red dresses remind me of...the July Paris Sketch letter and eating cherries nonstop for a month to get in the mood.

Yesterday robsmelbatoast asked,

"Paris Letters? Do tell please!"

You can read all about it on Etsy. Meanwhile I'm playing with my new yellow La Poste truck. Someone is "going postal'!
 

Le 68 Guy Martin Tea Time

On Wednesday I took my Angel of Paris, OK one of many, Rosemary Flannery to tea

At the newish Le 68 Guy Martin at Guerlain 68, Champs-Elysees

While upstairs they're creating all kinds of beauty magique

Downstairs at Le 68 you can taste magique

The restaurant and tea area is fashioned in the style of fabulous 40s artist Christian Berard.

He painted the doors up on the second floor

Plus his fashion sketches are well represented at the 50s Galliera exhibit.

The dining salon is elegant

But first do stop for a look in the pastry case

To make a big study

Of what's on for the day.

Decisions do not come easy here

Miam Miam/yum yum

It was so hot out I got the terrific bubbly water you can only find in Paris' best restaurants, Chateldon.

Here Rosemary demonstrates how to drink it. Her divine shirt is from Anne Fonataine by the way. She got the Shalimar tea from the Guerlain perfumed tea menu.

Choices, choices.

I decided, being the dessert expert, we should share three pastries and a few caramels.

Rosemary's 'Petite robe noir' was the most intensely chocolatey dessert I've tasted in a long time. Again, as in most of the best Paris desserts, sugar was barely noticable.

My tarte citron was right up there with all the top prize winners in my opinion. Love the Italian meringue topping that is practically melted marshmallow.

You're surrounded by wonderful 50s artwork At Guerlain. A good place to come after visiting the 50s show at Palais Galliera and only one Metro station away on the No.9 to Franklin Roosevelt.

Post-tea you can buy a 50s arty postcards to send to a friend or yourself at Guerlain's own postbox and with Guerlain's own signature stamp for all of 3.50 euros and perfumed before sending out. Our tea cost all of 32 euros for the two of us. A terrific bargain in this town and a well-kept secret. No reservations are required for tea time at Le 68 Guy Martin, though lunch and dinner are packed. All around a delicious and arty experience. Do try it.

Les Années 50 - Palais Galliera

Still raining cats and dogs in Paris yesterday..

But no matter. Time to visit

The just-opened fashion exhibit of The Years 50s

At Palais Galliera
Metro Ilena

10, Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75016

The exhibit starts off in 1947 when Christian Dior came out with his 'New Look' pinched-in waist and full skirts.

And ends in 1957 when a very young Yves Saint Laurent taking over the helm at Dior. A 10-year period of absolute elegance and sublime clothing never to be seen the likes of again. A riveting must-see exhibit if you love fashion.

I was warned at the entrance NO cameras or portables. Picture taking was forbidden. Time to bring out my little sketchbook and doodle.

Fabulously glamorous looks.

The invention of the little black dress for the cocktail hour. Chanel's inventive white-ribbed sweater dress with black grosgrain ribbon trim at neck, waist and cuffs.

Massive bows at the waist exaggerated and structured like architecture made of taffeta and velvet (by Jacques Fath).

Finally I had to sneak a few shots or die on the spot.

Such glam!

Who does subtle dove grey dresses anymore?

Dove grey tulle gown by Christian Dior with a grey satin bow at the waist. To Die For.

Lingerie lace comes out at night

In this robe de soir by Jeanne Lanvin.

Soigné Christian Dior white satin ball gowns before fashion became democratized. Hello Gap.

Bows forever as the fem touch to soften sober structured dresses.

Anything with a scallop shell is a winner. Witty beachwear from the 50s. Who knew?

More architectural shapes take over the handbag. The 50s exhibit is on till November 2. A nice catalog is available(44.50 euros).

Feathered cocktail hats look a lot like

The jets flying over Paris this morning (seen from my window) in celebration of Bastille day today.

Tonight they're celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower. These celebrations seem to renew every 5 years if not every year. I'll probably be painting cherries for renewing sketch letter subscribers. Bonne Bastille Day PBers!