Cheveux Cheris - Musee Branly

Mardi 28 janvier Cheveur Cherie/Beloved Hair musee Branly

I met up with Veronique Marot, hair and makeup artist to see the hair exhibit at the Branly.

A facinating range of objet, photos, paintings, artifacts showing/using hair in ways unimaginable. Plus reflecting trends of the times both Western and worldwide.

Some of the hairdos of various times will knock your socks off.

Remember bouffants and the serf?

Did you iron your hair? 
 

The Branly mentions:

'The strict, orderly appearance of buns, plaits and braids may represent a desire to conform to social norms...'

Yet French author Colette lounging in a hamock could not look more relaxed?

Yet the infamous shaving off of all hair as a public sign of shame in this famous end-of World WarII photo of Robert Capa's could not be more intense. These women referred to as the 'toneurs'(sp) and punished for having slept with the enemy.
 

Amazing capes made from hair residue found in brushes. Hard to believe. I looked at my hair in the brush last night and wondered.
 

An astonishing Chinese headress made of tiny braids woven together.
 

Tell me the name of this star with the fab hair. I've forgotten.
 

Did you know Picasso refused to cut his hair until France was liberated at the end of the war?

Evidently full length hairy capes are not so unusual no matter what culture.

One of the Branly titles mentioned the signifigance of hair color: 'Western civilizations historically recognize seven major groups of hair colour - black, brown, auburn, chestnut,red, blond, grey and white - and each hair colour comes with its own stereotypes.'

As Veronique and I left the Branly this unleashed dog ran after a small spaniel. We heard its owner call out,

"Blackie, come back!"

Bonne/Bon Week-End!