Fashion and Versailles

Description

From Jackie Kennedy to Rihanna, from the Bal des Debutantes to Dior's publicity campaigns, from Karl Lagerfeld to Sofia Coppola to Deborah Tuberville, the legendary royal residence of Versailles has inspired countless revolutions in fashion. An unparalleled seat of power and seduction, Versailles established the world's first dress codes, linked to the whims of the queens and royal mistresses. Madame de Montespan launched the "innocente" robe that camouflaged pregnancy, Marie-Antoinette was known for her extravagant wigs and giourmand pastel hues, and members of Louis XIV's court were adorned in beribboned accessories and lavish fabrics. Since then, fashion at Versailles has been a constant and inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers, photographers, decorators, and directors. Haute couture in the 1950s, for example, launched the cinched-waisted "Neo-Trianon" trend. Karl Lagerfeld used the chateau's gardens as the runway for his 2013 cruise collection featuring Versailles- influenced crinoline dresses and brocade jackets. Today the spirit of Versailles continues to thrive in contemporary fashion, inspiring passions and vocations. This stunning volume showcases the best of fashion set on the exquisite background of the most spectacular palace in the world.

Laurence Benaim, a journalist and fashion writer, has written many books including Lancel: Parisian Maison since 1876 (Flammarion, 2016), Women in Dior: Portraits of Elegance (Rizzoli, 2016), Dior: The New Look Revolution (Rizzoli, 2015), and a biography of Yves Saint-Laurent. She created the style supplement for the French newspaper Le Monde, and has contributed to Vogue and Marie-Claire. She is an editorial advisor for Le Figaro.

"Laurence Benaim has found a way to deftly intertwine the importance of the palace within the world of international history and weave it into the world of fashion. It is a fascinating way to mesh the past and the present without being a dry, historical, fact-laden read. The visuals throughout the book are almost luxuriant in their clarity, which offers detailed aspects of clothes, accessories, precious jewels, and the location itself. " -NY JOURNAL OF BOOKS "This new book chronicles the very best of fashion influenced by the grand palace, from the days of Louis XIV to the present." - SOCIETY DIARIES "Carefully researched, eloquent, and filled with archival images, catwalk moments, Hollywood stills, sketches, and fashion photo shoots at the palace, these pages give credence to the unparalleled excesses, but also the incomparable fashion legacy of Versailles." -FLOWER MAGAZINE "If you are a lover of fashion, history or the lure and luxry of Versailles, then I suggest you pick up a copy of this book. The book in itself is beautiful and the pages are heavy and made of the best quality. This book is going to make a great addition to my large bookshelves. You will be mesmerized by the depth of information that fills these pages; this is a book that you will want to take your time with and really sit down and spend time immersed in the knowledge, history, and beauty of fashions from past and present." -Chelsey, CHARMING CHELSEY'S. "Fashion and Versailles, overall, is a unique book that stands out for its unique perspective and interesting focus. I highly recommend Fashion and Versailles by Laurence Benai m to anyone with an interest in Marie Antoinette, 18th-century fashion, and fashion history. Readers who want to know more about the social influence of Versailles and its former inhabitants on current aspects of society will also enjoy this book." -READING TREASURE "The book is lavishly filled with fashion photographs amassed at Versailles, fashion inspired by Versailles, and the great portraits that emerged from life there." -LITTLEAUGURY.COM