Bonjour from Paris! I am here taking an art class for a month this summer, and taking in the Parisian style and fashion while I am here. Last weekend, I went to a temporary exhibit at the Palais Galliera called 1997 Fashion Big Bang. The exhibit presented an ode to the year 1997, which is known as the rise of now-contemporary designers and collections that have shaped the high-fashion world today.

New designers such as Stella McCartney, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and Thierry Mugler became known names in the fashion world during this year. The iconic collections and designs that were created were some that are still celebrated and appreciated in the fashion world today. This year in fashion helped set the tone for what contemporary fashion would look like today, making recognition and appreciation for this pivotal year most important.

Here are some highlights from the exhibit. I hope they can inspire you and allow you to appreciate the years of fashion that have created the industry and style that we have today.

Enjoy!

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Stella McCartney for Chloé

John Galliano for Christian Dior

Thierry Mugler

Donatella Versace