Roundtable

Le Cocktail Français: Luxury Clothing
The Changing Attitudes in pre-revolutionary France

Monday, October 17
6:30 PM

We are honored to welcome Patricia Forelle, a major New York costume designer, who will guide us through the world of luxury clothing in 17th and 18th century France. Her work in costume design is inspired by the richness, beauty, and elegance of the period – not to mention the vanity, viciousness and evil that sometimes is hidden within this opulent society.
   Dress in France was a manifestation of civility and the domain of the elite. Fashion reflected the hierarchy of society where etiquette ruled. Ms. Forelle will explain how the splendor of the aristocracy’s dress was controlled and how daily life often became theatre.
   Ms. Forelle is a costume designer with a particular expertise in 17th and 18th century French culture. Her passion is court dance and dress and its effect on the development of French fashion and theatre. Ms. Forelle holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Boston College and an M.A. from New York University in French Language and Civilization. She was nominated in 2011 and 2014 for Outstanding Visual Design by the New York City Dance Awards. She divides her time between New York and France.