For decades, fashion experts have called the 1960s an explosion of energy and style. People reached space, the world was changing culturally and politically, women were getting to speak, and all this was reflected not only in the length of skirts. The era brought the rise of fashion icons whose brands still have a strong sound – Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Paco Rabanne… Museum Kampa commemorates the era of personalities and changes, but also the years to come, with a unique exhibition Fashion X Artwhere he presents less than a hundred women’s dresses lent by the Lithuanian Alexandre Vassilieva Foundation.
Actress Hana Holišová (42) wore probably the most valuable model of the exhibition, the Michael Novarese concert dress (1966) made of cotton, beads and peacock feathers. | Museum Kampa
“He owns one of the most important private fashion collections in the world, with more than half a million models. Those for our exhibition, which has no parallels in Central Europe, were selected for about three months,” museum spokesman Daniel Hrdlička told Blesk with the result awaiting visitors in two halls divided into 12 thematic areas. You will look at the dresses with bated breath and for a long time their charm and the imagination with which they were created will linger in you. The claim that they broke traditions is true.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883–1971) is one of the greatest fashion figures of the first half of the twentieth century. | Blesk – Midjourney AI
They breathed for style
“A girl should be able to do two things: be elegant and fabulous,” said Coco Chanel (1883-1971), and she helped women with elegance. Her famous “little blacks” are still an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe. “Simplicity, good taste and care are the three foundations of good dressing, and they don’t cost money,” Christian Dior (1905-1957), one of the most influential designers, explained to women that it was almost magical. Along with others, they still inspire generations of designers and their legacy shapes people’s tastes.
What, where, when, for how much
Fashion Paradox – Fashion X Art • Museum Kampa, U Sovových mlýnů 503/2, Prague 1 • When: Until November 5, 2023, daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • How much: CZK 280, students, teachers and seniors CZK 190, children under 6 free, family admission (2 adults + 3 children under 15) CZK 540.
