2023.07.06
A Year that Can Never Be Omitted when Discussing Fashion – A Special Exhibition on '1997' Is Being Held in Paris
The number '1997' is special. Why? Because around the year 1997, various events that became key to the trends we casually consume today took place. '1997 Fashion Big Bang,' currently held at the Paris City Fashion Museum last year, was a special exhibition that re-emphasizes the importance of 1997 in fashion history.
Firstly, the Spring/Summer 1997 season was a turning point in the fashion industry. John Galliano, who was at Givenchy, took over from Gianfranco Ferré as designer for Christian Dior, completely refreshing the image of Dior.
Meanwhile, Alexander McQueen, at just 27 years old, was appointed designer at Givenchy, capturing global attention with his originality.
Jean Paul Gaultier launched his first haute couture collection, and Comme des Garçons presented 'Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body,' known as the 'bump dress'.
Furthermore, 1997 was also a year of sudden sorrow. Gianni Versace was shot dead at his mansion in Miami Beach, Florida, and Princess Diana died in a car accident in Paris, speeding away from the paparazzi.
Steve Jobs was appointed interim CEO of Apple in 1997 as well. The concept for the iMac, which debuted in 1998 and was famous for its colorful, translucent exterior, was born the previous year. The legendary Parisian concept store 'Colette' also opened in 1997, attracting numerous famous designers and celebrities.
In cinemas, the world wept over the story spun by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in "Titanic," while in the UK, J.K. Rowling published the novel "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone." Björk, with her quirky costumes and melodious voice, signaled the onset of a new era unfolding around the world.
The British Flair that Spiced up Paris
The '1997 Fashion Big Bang' exhibition, currently hosted by the Paris City Fashion Museum, centers on the year 1997 and showcases the trends from 1996 to 1998, primarily in fashion.Upon entering the exhibition, the first thing greeting visitors is the Spring/Summer 1997 prêt-à-porter collection presented at the Paris Fashion Week in October 1996.
The Gucci collection under Tom Ford's tenure leading with the 'G String' for Spring/Summer 1997, along with Comme des Garçons' 'bump dress,' and Martin Margiela's 'Stockman' are displayed alongside runway videos from that time.
Next, the haute couture for Spring/Summer 1997 showcased in January. Brands like Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, Dior by John Galliano, and Jean Paul Gaultier are lined up extensively.
Further into the exhibition space, pop culture artifacts from around 1997 like Reebok's 'Instapump Fury,' Casio's 'G-SHOCK,' and Apple's 'iMac' are introduced.
In March of the same year, Fendi released a bag named 'Baguette.' Named for its resemblance to a baguette loaf when tucked under the arm.
Colette's opening also occurred in March. The following April, Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck designed stage costumes for the Irish rock band U2, and in May, Jean Paul Gaultier designed costumes for Luc Besson's movie "The Fifth Element."
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