99% Invisible A Fantasy of Fashion: Articles of Interest #7
May 12, 2020
Explore the unexpected role of miniature fashion dolls in post-WWII France, where they symbolized hope amid devastation. Delve into the haunting history behind these dolls, tied to the Nazi occupation and cultural revival. Follow an art historian's journey of discovery at a quirky museum, unveiling the transformative power of art. Unpack the evolution of French high fashion, detailing the shift from exclusive couture to accessible designs, and reflect on the struggles and glamor within the fashion world.
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Unexpected Museum Job
- Linda Tessner, an art historian, unexpectedly became the director of the Maryhill Museum of Art.
- The museum's remote location and eclectic collection surprised her.
Creepy Dolls
- Linda found unsettling dolls at the museum, initially dismissing them as macabre.
- Their significance remained unknown until a curator inquired about them.
Fashion's Resilience
- Post-WWII Paris struggled to maintain its fashion capital status amidst devastation.
- The Théâtre de la Mode, miniature fashion dolls, aimed to revive the industry.