From left: dress ball, Spanish costume, French disguise. Illustrations from "Magazyn Mód. Dziennik przyjemnych wiadomości", 1847 No. 6 Fig. www.buw.uw.edu.pl
Based on illustrations drawn from historic periodicals the exhibition focuses on the evolution of men's attire through the 19th and early 20th Centuries - from anglomania and the development of standard men's dress based on English riding clothes, to suits and dinner jackets
The look of an elegant man was shaped by a number of elements. A well-chosen outfit would be complemented by accessories meeting the requirements of excellent taste and etiquette: shirt collars, corsets and cuffs. Not to mention other essential accessories: hat, gloves, walking stick, as well as appropriate decorative elements, that is pins, clasps, buttons, a proper haircut and clear complexion. An elegant man took care of his appearance. In fact dandyism went beyond fashion itself, it was a philosophy of life, a custom of sorts; George Bryan Brummel held the title of the most famous dandy of the first half of the 19th century.
Different charts trace the changes in forms, cuts and colours of men's clothing in the 19th century, while various types of men's dress are presented in an "encyclopaedic fashion".A separate part of the exhibition is devoted to tailoring, the fashion market and advertising, with 19th century magazine and tailor ads, mostly from Warsaw and Kraków.
Fashion for boys is another focus of the show. Visitors can find different styles of dress (e.g. Scottish and sailor), including the customary skirts and dresses worn by five to six year-old boys. Furthermore, the exhibition focuses on the revival of Polish dress: kontusz (robe) and żupan, a still different yet significant cultural phenomenon as in the 19th century Polish traditional clothing became a symbol of Polish patriotism.
"1845 Chronicles" charts based on The Journal of Paris Fashions, a unique magazine at the time, conclude the show. The journal was published in Lviv by Tomasz Kulczycki, a patriotic tailor who designed clothing, including the 1848 National Guard uniform. Finally, costumes from the Music Theatre in Łódź, designed and created in the style of 19th century clothing close the exhibition.
The web version of the exhibition can be viewed at:
www.buw.uw.edu.plCurator: Lilianna Nalewajska.
Opening: March 24, 2011, 13:00. The exhibition runs through May 22, 2011.
Central Museum of Textiles
ul. Piotrkowska 282, 93-034 Łódź
Director: Norbert Zawisza, MA
phone (+48 42) 683 26 84, 684 61 42
fax (+48 42) 684 33 55
link*www.muzeumwlokiennictwa.pl*http://www.muzeumwlokiennictwa.pl****Source: press materials