Unfurling scroll of French fashion history in HK

Nearly 400 stunning pieces of French costumes, jewelry, and accessories from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries are on display at Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), telling the story of fashion and attire.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. The HKPM and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris jointly organized the “Adorned Body: French Fashion and Jewellery 1770-1910 from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris” exhibition, which chronicles the evolution of French fashion trends.

French fashion pieces are on display at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in Hong Kong. Photos by Xinhua

According to Ingrid Yeung, associate curator of the HKPM, French fashion has profoundly influenced the world, and its evolution has been shaped by the integration of multiple cultures. “A lot of French fashion design works were also inspired by Chinese culture,” Yeung said, adding that there are costumes, porcelain and scarves on display that have drawn inspiration from Chinese elements.

Louis Ng, director of the HKPM, hoped that visitors could explore the century-old French fashion, and discover the ancient Chinese court clothing and jewelry in other exhibition halls.

Louis Ng, director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, observes a French fashion piece at the museum June 25. 

In addition to this exhibition, Ng said that at the end of this year, the HKPM will hold an exhibition in cooperation with the Palace of Versailles in France to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris selected the most historically valuable French fashion pieces from its 1.4 million collections, and is exhibiting them in Asia for the first time.

“These costumes are all antiques, very fragile. We are particularly careful when we handle them,” Yeung said, adding that the time for arranging the exhibition greatly exceeded previous practices.

The lighting of the exhibition hall was carefully designed, not only to ensure the viewing effect, but also to avoid excessive exposure of the clothing.

At the invitation of the HKPM, Hong Kong singer Karen Mok has recorded voice narrations for the exhibition in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

The exhibition ends Oct. 14. (Xinhua)