Clothes in the colours of Spain

For the first time in Paris, close to 80 items of clothing and accessories from the 19th and early 20th century will evoke the soul of the Spanish provinces: the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Catalonia, Majorca, Aragon, Castile, Salamanca, etc. These intricately designed costumes inspired the greatest Spanish couturiers such as Balenciaga. The embroidery and pleating work, the range of colours, the creative use of ribbons, the extravagance of the hats and jewellery deserve re-examination from a contemporary perspective. Once classified as folklore, this diverse range of costumes can now be recognised for their immense creativity. The inclusion of this exhibition as part of Paris Fashion Week will further allow visitors to appreciate the inestimable value of the daily work of the men and women, often of modest origin, who created these sumptuous costumes over time.

This poetry of the ordinary is now elevated to an art form. Furthermore, a selection of documentary photographs by José Ortiz Echague (1886- 1980) will vividly illustrate the popular history of 19th and early 20th century Spain.

CURATOR: Olivier Saillard, Director of Palais Galliera

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