"We have discovered a refinement and elegance of shapes and materials where black dominates."
Two women fashion experts. One from Paris, Lydia Kamitsis, fashion historian and clothing archaeologist, and the other, Sylvie Richoux-Bérard, curator of the Musée de la Mode in Marseille, plunged us into the birth of a dress code: Tenue de Cocktail.
Refinement and elegance in shapes and materials, dominated by black. Gloves, shoes, hats and jewelry complete a wardrobe that accompanies women's social lives. From the 1940s onwards, Christian Dior gave it pride of place in his collections. I quote one of his tips, which is still relevant today: "Cocktail dresses are particularly elaborate afternoon wear. However, it's important to avoid the mistake of dressing for a cocktail party as you would for a dinner party; this is a mistake."
