The Novel Of A Wardrobe

Would you like to have a flashback tour into the wardrobe of a chic Parisian? It is possible.

"The novel of a wardrobe: The chic of a Parisian from the Belle Epoque to the 30s" is an exhibition in Carnavalet Museum of Paris in collaboration with Galliera Museum. It takes you through the wardrobe of Alice Alleaume, a fashionable Parisian and the first saleswoman to work at Chéruit, the famous Parisian couture house.

Her wardrobe consisted mainly of pieces from Worth, Chéruit and Lanvin, all perfectly conserved together with hats, jewelry and shoes that complemented them. Some of the pieces have never been worn and some have still the original label. They are proudly displayed like real pieces of art together with personal letters and invitations from couture houses. 

A distinctive personal style can be read through the garments, contemporary, feminine and confident. Not wonder why in one of the letters Alice's husband asks her sister to help him choose a gift for her, for their anniversary, "since her taste is so difficult to understand". I guess she would be happy to know that her wardrobe was conserved so carefully and displayed in Paris, a great gift for fashion history lovers like me. Thank you Alice.

Below a dress by Jeanne Lanvin from the collection 1934 - 1935. A model page comes with the book.

Carnavalet Museum : 23, rue de Sévigné 75003 Paris