One of the most inspiring periods in fashion is the subject of a new exhibition at the Musée Galliera – The 1950s – Fashion in France 1947-1957 looks at after-war trends, the “hourglass” figure and the arrival of the Chanel suit.

Here’s all the info.

French fashion wasn’t in a great state before the war, but the 195s changed all that, especially for the haute couture houses, no doubt aided by the golden age of fashion magazines and amazing fashion photography.

Many fashion houses were in a period of transition to prêt-à-porter, and successfully so, sealing France’s position as a leader in the fashion industry.
To accompany the exhibition, the Grand Action cinema has a cycle of films – from 18th July to 31st October  2014, every Friday at 8pm – showing how 50s cinema portrayed the golden age of French fashion. Your cinema ticket gives you reduced-price entry to the exhibition, and vice-versa.

The museum also has workshops on offer for kids, and an official catalogue is being published (272 pages, 45€, here at amazon.fr).

The exhibition The 50s, Fashion in France (Les Années 50, la mode en France 1947-1957) is at the Musée Galliera (here) dufrom 12th July – 2nd November 2014

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am-6pm (9pm Thursdays). Closed Mondays and public holidays

Admission: 8€ / 6€ / free for under-18s starting 1st September

Official site: palaisgalliera.paris.fr

Facebook: here

Twitter: twitter.com/PalaisGalliera

To check out the (French) press release, just click the centre of the image below.