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Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)] Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode
Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)] Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode
Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)] Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode
Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)] Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode
Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)]. Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode.
Original concept drawing by Jean Cocteau for the French artist and fashion designer's "Théâtre de la Mode," a touring exhibit of fashion mannequins crafted by top Paris fashion designers in an effort to revive the fashion industry in an economically devastated post-war France.  Graphite on paper, circa 1945.  Unsigned.  Mounted to window matte in two places, verso top, overall in fine condition.  10.5 x 8.25 inches (26.7 x 21 cm.); overall 16 x 20 inches. 

The original sets accompanying the mannequins, which had been designed and built by such artists as Christian Bérard, Jean Saint-Martin, Georges Wakhevitch and Jean Cocteau, were lost before Maryhill Museum of Art acquired the exhibit.  In 1988, Paris's Musée de la Mode et du Textile undertook an extensive restoration of the mannequins and painstakingly recreated the sets to mirror the originals. 

"In 1945 post-war Paris the French couture houses were struggling to survive...The Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, led by Lucien Lelong, decided to create an exhibition showcasing the finest work of the Parisian couturiers with an aim to revive the fashion industry and to promote their solidarity and independence.  The exhibition was designed and curated by Christian Bérard and Boris Kochno.  Because of shortages and for ease of transport the mannequins for the clothes were doll-sized, approximately 27.5 inches high with wire bodies. 237 dolls were dressed in miniature couture outfits by 41 Paris designers including Balenciaga, Madame Gres, Hermes, Jacques Fath, Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, Lucien Lelong, Marcel Rochas, Molyneux, Nina Ricci, Paquin, Schiaparelli and Worth. The couturiers were supported by 37 milliners, 21 hairdressers and a host of umbrella makers, bookmakers, and jewellers. The dolls were placed in 12 artist-designed stage sets created by the likes of Jean Cocteau, Christian Berard and Georges Geffroy." (The Exhibition 'Le Theatre de la Mode' in London, beauxbooks.com)

Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)] Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode

Schubertiade Music and Arts
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Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963) [Bérard, Christian. (1902–1949)]. Concept Sketch for Christian Bérard's Théâtre de la Mode.
Original concept drawing by Jean Cocteau for the French artist and fashion designer's "Théâtre de la Mode," a touring exhibit of fashion mannequins crafted by top Paris fashion designers in an effort to revive the fashion industry in an economically devastated post-war France.  Graphite on paper, circa 1945.  Unsigned.  Mounted to window matte in two places, verso top, overall in fine condition.  10.5 x 8.25 inches (26.7 x 21 cm.); overall 16 x 20 inches. 

The original sets accompanying the mannequins, which had been designed and built by such artists as Christian Bérard, Jean Saint-Martin, Georges Wakhevitch and Jean Cocteau, were lost before Maryhill Museum of Art acquired the exhibit.  In 1988, Paris's Musée de la Mode et du Textile undertook an extensive restoration of the mannequins and painstakingly recreated the sets to mirror the originals. 

"In 1945 post-war Paris the French couture houses were struggling to survive...The Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, led by Lucien Lelong, decided to create an exhibition showcasing the finest work of the Parisian couturiers with an aim to revive the fashion industry and to promote their solidarity and independence.  The exhibition was designed and curated by Christian Bérard and Boris Kochno.  Because of shortages and for ease of transport the mannequins for the clothes were doll-sized, approximately 27.5 inches high with wire bodies. 237 dolls were dressed in miniature couture outfits by 41 Paris designers including Balenciaga, Madame Gres, Hermes, Jacques Fath, Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, Lucien Lelong, Marcel Rochas, Molyneux, Nina Ricci, Paquin, Schiaparelli and Worth. The couturiers were supported by 37 milliners, 21 hairdressers and a host of umbrella makers, bookmakers, and jewellers. The dolls were placed in 12 artist-designed stage sets created by the likes of Jean Cocteau, Christian Berard and Georges Geffroy." (The Exhibition 'Le Theatre de la Mode' in London, beauxbooks.com)

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