Strike a pose

(Beijing weekend)
Updated: 2007-05-31 11:07

 

Latino diva Jennifer Lopez.
What are the secrets behind the evolution of fashion? A special photo exhibition given by Harper's Bazaar, the leading world fashion magazine, may unveil the answers. Recording changing global trends of the past 140 years, the exhibition will show about 400 precious pictures on fashion history.

Features images include the first white wedding dress in the 16th century, the first wristwatch, which appeared in 1904, the first bikini designed by Louis Reard in 1947, and the first miniskirt by London designer Mary Quant in 1965.

Celebrity fans can appreciate the classic images of their idols, which have led the trend at different times. Audrey Hepburn in the black short skirt from the movie Breakfast At Tiffanys has become the classic image of gracefulness. American singer Madonna, in the bold golden cone-shaped lingerie worn for a concert, was once the most controversial dress of the time, but is now regarded as calling in the current trend of undergarments as outfit.

Model Kate Moss's close fitting jeans and exaggerated sunglasses are still followed by fashionistas, and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham's red long stockings and gloves have also become hot ticket items.

The exhibition also uncovers the secrets of many international fashion brands, such as the first luxury bag designed by Louis Vuitton, Guerlain's classic fragrance used by the French queen of Napoleon III, and the world's biggest diamond necklace produced by jewelry brand Cartier, which later became the love token of movie stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Other images depict the history of a dozen top fashion brands, such as Dunhill, Van cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Montblanc, Hermes, Aquasculum and Burberry.

Another part of the exhibition is named, Runway Secret, which introduces classic works of the four great Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, London and New York. There, the catwalk audience appreciates the work of fashion masters, Versace, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren and more.

The final theme of the exhibition is the secret of the magazine, displaying various covers of Harper's Bazaar since 1867. As the world's first fashion magazine, Bazaar has featured numerous stars and celebrities as its cover girls, including late British princess Diana, singer Jennifer Lopez and actress Nicole Kidman.

Named as one of the most advant-garde magazines of the past 140 years, Bazaar was first to introduce the bikini, publish naked photos and debut the-then unknown designers Christian Dior and artist Andy Warhol. 

Date: May 29 to June 3,
Address: SOGO, No. 8 Xuanwumenwai