Exhibtion: Le XVIII au Goût du Jour/A Taste of the 18th Century

Versailles is hosting a new exhibition: Le XVII au Gout du Jour/ A Taste of the 18th Century.  The exhibition is curated by Olivier Saillard and is on view at Versailles through October 9, 2011.

Saillard shows us how our current fashions are not so far removed from the past, if not by functionally then at least by inspiration.  Contemporary pieces are paired with historic ones, creating a unique flow through the show.  You may find that you will not be comparing old to new. Instead the pieces seem to work together rather than pronounce differences.

This is no new concept here, as we often make comparisons between today's fashion and that of the 18th century.  You will remember the recent post on Christian Louboutin's amazing new campaign and the historical inspired fashion that turned heads at the Royal Ascot.  To view more items from this show (contemporary and historical), visit the exhibition website.

Maison Christian Dior
Left : Haute couture, Autumn/Winter 2004/2005. Red moire and velours dress decorated with blue and white embroidery. Collection archives of the Maison Dior. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin.
Right : Haute couture, Autumn/Winter 2007/2008. Pink shot silk taffeta dress, veiled with candy pink tulle. “Doutzen Kroes” dress inspired by Fragonard. Collection archives of the Maison Dior. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin.

Yohji Yamamoto
Left : Ready-to-wear, Spring/Summer 2011. Waistcoat, shirt, breeches. Collection archives Yohji Yamamoto. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin.
Right : Ready-to-wear, Spring/Summer 2011. Black and blue outfit: shirt, jacket, breeches. Collection archives Yohji Yamamoto. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin.

Vivienne Westwood
Left : Ready-to-wear evening dress, Autumn/Winter 1995/96. Pink and pale blue duchesse satin. Model inspired by the portrait of Madame de Pompadour by Boucher. Collection: “Vive la Cocotte”. Collection Vivienne Westwood Ltd.
Right : Ready-to-wear evening dress, Spring/Summer 1996. Duchesse satin with black, blue, pink and yellow print, trimmed with lace, silk tulle apron. Collection “Les Femmes”. Collection Vivienne Westwood Ltd. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin

Jean Paul Gaultier
Right: Collection: “Les Marquis touaregs” Haute couture, Spring/Summer 1998. Leather jacket with faded organza leaves. Leather trousers. Collection archives of the Maison Jean Paul Gaultier. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin. 

Left: © Château de Versailles / Jean-Marc Manaï / Christian Milet

Balenciaga par Nicolas Ghesquière
Ready-to-wear dress, Spring/Summer 2006. Flesh-coloured satin organza, embroidered medallion, undergarments in ecru lace. Collection archives of the Maison Balenciaga. © Marcio MADEIRA / Zeppelin.