A countess's wardrobe on display in Paris

THE Palais Galliera fashion museum in Paris will host the exhibition "Fashion Regained - The treasured dresses of Elisabeth, Countess Greffulhe" from Nov 7 to March 20, 2016.
The exhibit will feature around 50 couture creations that belonged to this leading figure in the upper echelons of Paris society circles in the early 20th century who was also a source of inspiration for French writer Marcel Proust.
The Paris venue will present exceptional pieces from the extensive wardrobe of Elisabeth de Riquet de Camaran-Chimay, better known under her noble title: Countess Greffulhe.
Considered by many "the most beautiful woman in Paris", the Countess regularly hosted key members of Parisian society, in particular figures linked to the art world. Extremely elegant yet also exuberant, she was renowned for her luxurious outfits. Many of these refined pieces will be showcased at the Palais Galliera.
Half a century of designer-wear
The exhibit will present fashions from the Belle Époque era and the roaring 20s, historical periods that were defined by striking creativity in fashion.
The Countess had a taste for fine materials like tulle, gauze and muslin cloth and was known for her outfits featuring kimono vests and velvet coats.
She also had quite an eye for detail and colour, choosing pieces embellished with feathers and oriental motifs in colours varying from gold and silver to pink and green.
The Palais Galliera will put on display 50 models (coats, inside outfits, day and night dresses and accessories) created by Worth couture, Fortuny, Babani, Jeanne Lanvin, Nina Ricci, Maison Soinard and Hellstern & Sons among others. A series of portraits, photographs and short films are also featured.
"Fashion Regained. The treasured dresses of Élisabeth, Countess Greffulhe" runs Nov 7 to March 20, 2016 at Palais Galliera in Paris.
The exhibit will travel next year to the Museum at FIT in New York, running September 2016- Jan 3, 2017, under the name "Proust's Muse." — AFP Relaxnews