It was a time of movement. Cars had just been invented, and for the first time women were allowed to cut their hair, smoke in public, wear make-up.

Times were changing, and clothes reflected this. A boyish look came into fashion, with women's daytimes clothes modelled on their masculine counterparts, whereas evening wear was full of satin, shiny lace, feathers and pearls. These were glamourous times.

The exhibition "Les Années Folles (1919-1929)" at the Galliera Museum, one of Paris' fashion museums, showcases 170 dresses, over 200 accessories and 50 examples of perfume and cosmetics, showing that the driving modernism of the time made its mark on clothes design, inspired by Art Deco architecture, painting, and foreign influences (Japan, Russia and even Africa).

Soundtracks, photographs and films clips from the period will also illustrate and explain the social context.
Essential information:

Where: Musée Galliera, 10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 16th arrondissement Paris. Metro Iéna or Alma Marceau (line 9), bus n°s Bus 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 82, 92
When: 20th October 2007 - 29th February 2008
Opening hours: open every day except Mondays, 10am - 6pm
Admission: 7euros
Official site (all in French - sorry) here.


Bigger map here

Photo of the museum exterior (c) supersusie