On February 24th, 2017, the Fashion Curating class visited the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs for the Tenue Correcte Exigée : Quand Le Vêtement Fait Scandale Exhibition which will be on display from December 1, 2016- April 23, 2017.  This exhibition focuses on the social and political correctness regarding clothing, spanning from the 14th Century to the present.  The clothing presented has caused some sort of scandal during the time period in which the garments were worn.  The exhibit first offers the viewers handwritten-esque texts on the Museum’s cream and matte black staircase, leading to a triple archway that directs you to a pair of doors.  The matte black wall surrounding these doors has similar French text written in white chalk (“Lamb, habillé dans le NOIR?, C’EST UNE ROBE On UNE MERINGUE?).

Upon entering the exhibit, you are greeted with a painting of Adam and Eve and a wall text that explains the exhibition’s purpose.  The hallways of this room will lead you down a “red-light special” lit path, with paneled ceiling to floor length mirrors.  If the intrigue of the exhibit decor hasn’t garnered your attention, the exhibit will.  The room from this pathway is centered on information regarding the do’s and don’ts from famous French Books written in the 1800s and on the craft of being elegant.  One quote from the Traité De La Vie Élégante book by Honoré de Balzac in 1830, states “He who does not come often to Paris will never be completely elegant.”  

Lastly, the next set of rooms showcase videos from the 21st century explaining how one should prepare to meet their significant other’s parents, garments worn by women that were deemed masculine as well as paintings depicting these acts, coned-breast shaped couture garments worn by Madonna created by Couturier Jean-Paul Gautier, the Smoking Jacket created by Couturier Christian Dior, an example of a Joan Of Arc’s metal armored suit and many more.  These pieces are only a few of the greats and some problematic garments presented at this exhibit.  Should you come to Paris to up your “elegance” and “taste” level, this exhibit might be worth a visit.

Written by Rachel Fenderson, Parsons Paris MA Candidate, 2018.

Edited by Sarah Safar, Parsons Paris MA Candidate, 2018.

Photo taken by Rachel Fenderson, Parsons Paris MA Candidate, 2018.