Theatre De LA Mode Fashion Dolls The Survival of Haute Couture Book

Most of us have never considered the impact World War II had on French culture, much less the haute couture houses of Paris, but this book brings it to life. Struggling through material shortages, fighting with the Germans for more rations, and flaunting the style they had despite their plight created a fashion show, in miniature, that toured the world and helped fund couture's revival. (Keep in mind the couture houses were employing thousands of people to create their collections, which then inspired thousands more dressmakers to recreate their looks.) The story of rediscovering and restoring the dolls and their backdrops is as wonderful as the story of their creation. Created just before Dior broke onto the scene with the New Look, these models depict both the fashion of the future and the fashion of moment. For those dying to examine them in more detail, this oversize book brings them right to your nose or you can visit the Maryhill Museum of Art and see them in their proper settings at the proper scale. This is definitely a must-read for all fashion historians.