A Tribute to Marie Antoinette (1)

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Marie Antoinette's Birth

Introducing Dresses by 12 Emerging Designers (1)

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Marie Antoinette's birth, "Openers" presents dresses designed and created by 12 French designers inspired by this most famous queen in history. This is a collaborative work between the French Federation for Ready-to-Wear and Isetan, with stylist Yoshiyuki Shimazu coordinating the fashion show, a special event for Isetan Shinjuku's "France Exhibition" celebrating Isetan's 120th anniversary. The dresses, expressing Antoinette's world through fashion, were finished with splendor.

Film Costumes by Milena Canonero!

ShimazuWhile it's not directly related to Sofia Coppola's film "Marie Antoinette" (distributed by Toho Towa/Tohokushinsha), which is set for a roadshow release on January 20, 2007, I was directly commissioned by the person in charge of the "France Exhibition"'s direction. I handled everything from model selection and dressing to shoe coordination and hairstyle advice.

— What were your impressions after seeing the film at a preview?

ShimazuKirsten Dunst, the lead actress, is the type of person who is popular with girls (laughs). She's an actress that girls would find "cute." The sweets from "Ladurée" used as props and the Manolo Blahnik shoes add to the film's fashionable feel.

— The soundtrack is great too, isn't it?

ShimazuYes, Sofia Coppola chose all these cool 80s tracks. It's fantastic, with songs like "Hong Kong Garden" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, and also Bauhaus, New Order, Adam Ant, The Cure, and Gang of Four.

— You're quite fond of the fashion from this era, aren't you?

photo by Jamandfix

ShimazuI am influenced by it. Especially the costume designer, Milena Canonero. She's won Academy Awards for costume design for films like "Barry Lyndon," "Chariots of Fire," and "Vanity Fair." She's an incredible artist who, for example, takes threads from vintage clothing, unravels them, and sews them back together.

My Favorite Is "Lutz"

— We had the opportunity to photograph 12 dresses for this feature, and each one is quite unique.

ShimazuWhen people think of Marie Antoinette, they tend to imagine gorgeous dresses, but it's interesting to see how the 12 designers have interpreted her in various ways.

— Which one is your favorite, Shimazu-san?

ShimazuI really like "Lutz." The dress is beautiful even without the outer coat. It hasn't quite broken through in Japan yet, but I love its modern aesthetic.

— Well then, let's let everyone take a closer look.

"Lutz"
Marie Antoinette was young, dynamic, and a symbol of the modern woman. Here, she would wear Lutz's hybrid trench coat, designed to create visual contrast and pair with convenient clothing and an asymmetrical pleated dress. photo by Jamandfix

"Gaelle Barre"
Gaelle Barre's 21st-century Marie Antoinette adheres to 18th-century conventions. The colors are soft: silver, gray, pearl, and powder pink. While volume is respected, everything is reinterpreted. The corset is replaced by a silver lurex bustier, and the tulle petticoat is worn externally for a more glittering image, adorned with zecchino coins. Accessories like buttons, grosgrain ribbons, and strass evoke Antoinette's spirit while remaining suitable for women wearing Gaelle Barre in 2007. photo by Jamandfix

"Gilles Rosier"
The nonchalance and frivolity of a young woman, shocked by her tragic fate, elevated her to legendary status. White represents purity, polka dots represent nonchalance, ribbons represent frivolity, and red represents tragedy. photo by Jamandfix

"Lefranc Ferrant"
If trench coats existed then, she would wear this... perhaps as a bustier dress. photo by Jamandfix

"Sandrine Philippe"
While speaking of Marie Antoinette's tragic fate, we see this dress as a symbol of the boundary between life and death, a mark of hostility between the fragility and strength of plants that represent the queen becoming a "flower of ashes." photo by Jamandfix

"Hannoh"
Marie Antoinette is history's first fashion victim. Her obsession with Rose Bertin led to deep disappointment, but this couturier (Rose Bertin – merchant of fashion) comes from the French fashion industry. The queen's frivolity transformed into a strange simplicity during her captivity. She lived during a transitional period of economy and politics, making her endlessly fascinating. photo by Jamandfix

Dedicated to Marie Antoinette (2)Continued

Film "Marie Antoinette"
A story that sheds new light on the world's most famous queen, Marie Antoinette, who was both most beloved and most hated.
Saturday, January 20, 2007, at Nichigeki 3 and other theaters nationwide.
Original Title: Marie Antoinette / A Co-production of the USA, France, and Japan / Color / Vista Size / Running Time: 2 hours 3 minutes / Subtitle Translation: Mina Matsuura
Presented by: Tohokushinsha, Toho Towa / Distributed by: Toho Towa, Tohokushinsha
Official Website: MA-movie.jp