‘Paris Fashion: The History of Haute Couture’ Webinar

From the court of Louis XIV to the 2006 feature film Devil Wears Prada, the word “Paris” has become synonymous with fashion. But how did one nation — and one city, for that matter — become an internationally renowned source of style and luxury? This is the story of the artisans, artists, politicians, writers, style icons, and designers who transformed Paris into the city of fashion.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital journey through the dresses, workshops, and lives of the storied designers who have played a part in the history of Parisian haute couture.

Led by fashion historian Caroline Elenowitz-Hess, our virtual experience and showcase of spectacular examples of Paris fashion will include:

  • Images of historic garments designed by skilled 18th-century artisans, who set the standards for haute couture (creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing)
  • Paintings and photographs of famous Parisian fashion icons throughout history, from Marie Antoinette and Empress Eugenie to Inès de la Fressange
  • A look at some of the most iconic garments to ever come out of Paris, designed by couturiers such as Christian Dior, Jeanne Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Jean Paul Gaultier
  • Scandals surrounding Paris fashion, including Marie Antoinette’s extravagant spending, Chanel’s affair with a Nazi officer, and John Galliano’s dismissal from Dior in 2010
  • The story of how traveling fashion dolls helped haute couture return to international acclaim after the Nazi occupation

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Caroline — any and all questions about Paris fashion are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Caroline

Caroline Elenowitz-Hess is an independent fashion historian based in New York City. Caroline worked for several years as a fashion designer before pursuing her MA in Fashion Studies from Parsons. She previously received a BA in English Literature from Yale University and an AAS in Fashion Design from FIT. Most recently, Caroline has been a curatorial intern at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at the Museum at FIT. Her research is focused on definitions of femininity in the twentieth century in France and the United States.











When: Wed., Jan. 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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From the court of Louis XIV to the 2006 feature film Devil Wears Prada, the word “Paris” has become synonymous with fashion. But how did one nation — and one city, for that matter — become an internationally renowned source of style and luxury? This is the story of the artisans, artists, politicians, writers, style icons, and designers who transformed Paris into the city of fashion.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital journey through the dresses, workshops, and lives of the storied designers who have played a part in the history of Parisian haute couture.

Led by fashion historian Caroline Elenowitz-Hess, our virtual experience and showcase of spectacular examples of Paris fashion will include:

  • Images of historic garments designed by skilled 18th-century artisans, who set the standards for haute couture (creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing)
  • Paintings and photographs of famous Parisian fashion icons throughout history, from Marie Antoinette and Empress Eugenie to Inès de la Fressange
  • A look at some of the most iconic garments to ever come out of Paris, designed by couturiers such as Christian Dior, Jeanne Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Jean Paul Gaultier
  • Scandals surrounding Paris fashion, including Marie Antoinette’s extravagant spending, Chanel’s affair with a Nazi officer, and John Galliano’s dismissal from Dior in 2010
  • The story of how traveling fashion dolls helped haute couture return to international acclaim after the Nazi occupation

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Caroline — any and all questions about Paris fashion are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Caroline

Caroline Elenowitz-Hess is an independent fashion historian based in New York City. Caroline worked for several years as a fashion designer before pursuing her MA in Fashion Studies from Parsons. She previously received a BA in English Literature from Yale University and an AAS in Fashion Design from FIT. Most recently, Caroline has been a curatorial intern at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at the Museum at FIT. Her research is focused on definitions of femininity in the twentieth century in France and the United States.

Buy tickets/get more info now