" Women in Orient," an exhibition viewed by Christian Lacroix

Since he closed his fashion house in 2009, legendary couturier Christian Lacroix has multiple projects: a line of clothing for F/W 2011-2012 in collaboration with Desigual, the trendy fashion brand based in Spain, the illustration on Sleeping Beauty at the request of author and style expert Camilla Morton for her Fashion Fairytale Memoir series, and the presentation of Women in Orient at the museum du Quai Branly.

True hymn to oriental women, the exhibition reveals another aspect of femininity, from the North of Syria to the Sinai peninsula, introducing an exceptional collection of 150 traditional costumes and accessories, selected by Christian Lacroix, in co-operation with Hana Chidiac, Head of the North African and Near East department at the museum. A poetic journey punctuated by sumptuous garments: festive dresses, coats, veils and headdresses which comprised the bride's trousseau illustrate the continuity of the traditions and knowledge developed and transmitted from mother to daughter.

Guided by colored threads on black cotton, by silver lame and striped silk linings, by the cut of winged dresses and the tie-dye fabrics, Christian Lacroix has been inspired to select a remarkable group of garments. He has conceived the route through the exhibition as a poetical perambulation. The garments form a motionless, hovering procession. They inhabit a colorful world where, bathed in warm and comforting light, the designer's imagination is projected into a dreamlike East.

Poster designed by Christian Lacroix

 Dara'a, festive coat, Syria, around 1930

Dara'a, festive coat, Syria, around 1965

Wedding dress, Khan Cheikhoun Asia, 1930

Burqa, Veil, Bedouin women, 1920-1930

Burqa, Veil, Bedouin women, 20c

Burqa, Bedouin women

Sakrouj, Bedouine headdress, Coiffe, 20c

Sakrouj, Bedouine headdress, 20c

Chatwe, Palestinian women headdress, around 1925

Courtesy Musee du Quai Branly, Paris

"Women in Orient" is placed under the patronage of Mrs. Carla Bruni-Sarkozi

The exhibition is on view from February 8 to May 15, 2011