No need to jet set to Europe to experience a history in haute couture.  Now, you can see it for yourself at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.  From February 4 to April 25, 2010 the Museum will present The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957, an exhibition that epitomizes everlasting elegance, classic sophistication and true grace. 

One of the most memorable decades in fashion history, it was an era when fashion houses celebrated the end of World War II with ultra feminine designs.  The exhibition opens with Christian Dior's "New Look" unveiled in 1947 which forever changed the standard of haute couture. 

The collection features the revolutionary and glamorous works of couture designers in Paris such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Balmain and Jacques Fath.  Designers in London like Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Victor Stiebel and Michael of London were able to follow in the path of the Paris couture houses while acquiring their own exquisite style. 

The exhibition is chiefly drawn from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England which features some hundred evening gowns, cocktail dresses and day outfits worn by Britain's royal family and international high society alike.  Also presented at the exhibition are 200 dress designs, fashion photography by Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and others, documentary and Hollywood films, audio documents and archival material.  Although there is no equivalent like a visit to the fashion capitals of the world, this quenches a fashionista's thirst. at least for a little while.

Balenciaga

Balmain

Victor Stiebel

Jean Dessès