A new museum exhibit in Paris examines how 1997 transformed fashion forever
The 12 months from October 1996 to October 1997 turned out to be a turning point for fashion. Gianni Versace and Diana, Princess of Wales, two of its stars, passed away; the Fendi Baguette, arguably the first “It” bag, debuted; including Christian Dior and Givenchy, Comme des Garçons and John Galliano, first decided to rearrange them all.
A look from Comme des Garçons
The exhibition 1997: Fashion Big Bang, which features dozens of looks, traces some of the most revolutionary designer decisions at French fashion houses, the renaissance of couture, and the iconic reference points for the business, such as Comme des Garçons’ Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body, and Stockman by Martin Margiela.
This concept provides insight into the significance of this specific year as well as how big designer appointments, debuts, and paradigm-shifting events can occasionally line up in quick succession. A journalist travelling back-to-back from New York to London to Milan to Paris for fashion weeks can be imagined lurching from one vision to another at a dizzying pace.
John Galliano first appearance at Dior 1997
When Gianfranco Ferrè announced his departure from Dior in 1996, the fashion world went into a frenzy for months over who would take over one of the most crucial roles in the sector. In the end, it was British designer John Galliano who made his runway debut in couture in January 1997.
Two pieces from Galliano’s debut Dior couture collection, an Edwardian-inspired gown and a miniature version of the 1947 Tailleur Bar, are consequently prominently displayed in the exhibition’s centre. Galliano is important, says Samson. Perhaps the most important event of the show and the year is [the couture collection]. because it was anticipated and was met with reactions.
How it Started
1997 was a great year for catwalk fashion, yet it was also the year that the key players of today started to take their places. At Gucci, Tom Ford was in his prime, sporting oiled-up bodies and G-strings bearing the G logo. For Alexander McQueen, Kate Moss wore bumsters while walking on water. Marc Jacobs was named creative director at Louis Vuitton despite having just four years left before being fired from Perry Ellis for a grunge collection. In addition to beginning to date David Beckham, Victoria Adams started to dress a little differently than the other Spice Girls. In Stockholm, Acne Studios was established.
The ‘IT’ Bag, Thanks to Fendi
The Baguette, which was famously adored by the character Carrie in “Sex and the City” (whose pilot episode was, you guessed it, filmed in 1997), was available in both regular and limited editions, necessitating customers to sign up for long waiting lists or stand in store lines.
Carrie introduces a second iteration of her renowned Fendi Baguette Bag in the ninth episode, “No Strings Attached,” which has dazzling magenta. A limited-edition partnership between actress Sarah Jessica Parker and Fendi produced the on-screen accessory, which viewers could later buy online.
A famous person will undoubtedly front the advertisement for an iconic bag. And with the purse’s 25th anniversary rapidly approaching, it seemed only appropriate that 1990s supermodel Linda Evangelista join the campaign to support it.
The former star shared an image from the campaign to honour her return to fashion, and she also disclosed that at New York Fashion Week in September 2022, a special runway show will be held to commemorate the anniversary of the Baguette.
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