About 12 years ago, I happened upon a wonderful book at a used bookstore in Berkeley. The book was "Theatre De La Mode" and it chronicled the creation of an amazing collection of French fashion after the Second World War. During this period, the French were recovering from four years of occupation by the Germans and the French fashion industry had not offered any new creations for most of that time. The lack of funds and materials made it impossible to launch a spring fashion season for 1945, so the Theatre De La Mode was born. The 27.5" mannequins you see in the pictures I've scanned were created to show creations by French couturiers, milliners, shoe and purse designers. Theatre designers created sets on which to display these beautifully realized ladies and the whole collection was shown first in Paris, then European capitals and the United States.
The last stop for the collection was the M.H. de Young Museum in San Francisco after which they were stored at the old City of Paris department store (now Neiman-Marcus). From there they were sent to the Maryhill Museum in 1952, near Goldendale, Washington. In 1988, they were returned to Paris for refurbishing and returned to the museum - where they are in a rotating display. I found that the book is available in a paperback version on Amazon. The pictures I've posted are just a small sampling of what the book holds - I didn't scan any of the gowns and they are truly amazing. When you view these small designer miracles, it is hard to believe that they are scaled to fit a 27.5" mannequin.
The book is also a wonderful story of how a country struggled to come back after a devastating conflict and quite the good read. There are many detailed color plates as well for those of us who appreciate fine tailoring and beautifully crafted fashions. Now for the mannequins...
I too found this book at an auction a few years back. I was intrigued by the beautiful faceless, white mannequins at first and then realized that the costumes were the real delight.My copy is a constant reference resource.
Thanks for bringing to light an enjoyable book that others should seek out to read.Your post brings it all to life!
xo Susan
Posted by: Miss Maddie's | April 23, 2008 at 02:59 AM
Hi Dorian,
What a great post! I saved an article years ago about this collection and had no idea of the book!! I'm getting it!
Happy memories of the De Young Museum. I took art classes there for a few years.
The City of Paris! THAT too was the best memory, especially at Christmas with the tree in the rotunda. Did you go?
Want to tell you how lovely your blog looks. xo
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | April 23, 2008 at 01:00 PM
After I sign off on your post here I'm going to see if I can still find a copy of that book..I can tell it's a must have for me. THANK YOU!!
~Christine
Posted by: Du Buh Du Designs | April 27, 2008 at 05:23 PM