1995 Edmonde Charles-Roux - The fashion years
The Musée de la Mode pays tribute to Edmonde Charles-Roux, an Académicienne from Marseilles who devoted part of her life to fashion.
From 1954 to 1966, Edmonde Charles-Roux was editor-in-chief of the French edition of Vogue magazine. She brought a contemporary dimension to fashion, illustration and photography. She discovered the most innovative artists of her time, from writers like François Nourissier, François-Régis Bastide and Violette Leduc to photographers like Guy Bourdin and William Klein.
Edmonde Charles-Roux was able to give fashion a committed discourse and a recognition that was neglected at the time. By dint of risk-taking, aesthetic bias and pure elegance, she defined, defended and democratized this luxury magazine. By presenting several ensembles from her personal wardrobe for her retrospective, we wanted to celebrate the mother-daughter elegance of this illustrious family. I remember the astonishing Schiaparelli "Siren-Suit" that once belonged to Madame François Charles-Roux, now in the collections of the Musée de la Mode.
Edmonde was always at my side to promote Marseille's image. As the wife of the Mayor of Marseille, we shared two ambitions: culture and our city's place on the international stage.
During her vast career, Edmonde took the time to write the best book on Gabrielle Chanel: "Le temps Chanel qui dure toujours". A brilliant mind, a fascinating pen and a strong personality, winning the Goncourt was the natural consecration of her talent.
