Whilst in Paris for a few days, I intended to go and see the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective at the Petit Palais, which I heard was incredible. Mooching through Paris I decided to make my way over to the exhibition at around 2 in the afternoon. Is that a que ? I thought, it must just be an irritating group of tourists hanging around (American I quickly decided). Alas no, I saw the group of people which were actually a line, snaking around the Petit Palais. This is not for me I decided, on an uncommonly cold Parisian day in May.
I decided as a consolation to head to the 'Foundation Pierre Berge Yves Saint Laurent'. I knew it was only a little and beautiful walk away stroling along the bank of the Seine.
The foundation was created to prolong the history of the House of Yves Saint Laurent, whose Haute Couture operations ceased on 31 October 2002. This foundation has 5,000 cotoure garments, and 15,000 accessories and regularly has many diverse exhibitions.
When I got there I discovered that the exhibition was about India and its splendor and extravagance in costume from 1911 - 1947. Their authority taken by the English they exerted their power through their garments and each one tries to outdo the last in terms of grandeur. Gold, silver, brocade, embroidery and precious materials make this an exhibition that is so so so inspiring, it made me want to design a collection then and there! It also shows how India must be a massive travel hot spot for inspiration...an exhibition that shall not be forgotten.
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