Once again, the AFDC is eager to go beyond the limits of the expected. It will be hosting Silence!, a silent dance party that promises to indulge your senses in a way you have probably never experienced before.

This thought-provoking event will feature:

-        wireless headphones that will enable you to tune 2 different music channels: the very best of French twist and electronic music (including those 10 top French songs that also made it to the American charts!)

-        a screening of a fine selection of French silent films

-        a mime performance, inspired by Marcel Marceau

-        and a silent poetic interactive performance that will include the opportunity to discover French sign language

Shake out the cold tonight and come meet us at AFDC’s newest location (421 7^th St. NW in Chinatown), where you can expect to be surprised by a fascinating combination of silence and dance

When: Friday, January 20^th at 7 p.m.

Where: 421 7^th St. NW (District Architecture Center in Chinatown)

Admission: $20 General; $15 AF Members

RSVP: www.francedc.org or call 202-234-7911

This event is organized in partnership with Gallaudet University, The American Institute of Architects (DC Chapter), Yelp, and Silent Events

This coming Thursday, January 12^th, the Alliance Française de Washington will treat its cinema-loving audiences with the screening of L’illusionniste (2010), a heart-warming film directed by Sylvain Chomet (also acclaimed for his first feature-length animated film, Les Triplettes de Belleville).

The screenplay for L’illusionniste is based on a semi-autobiographical script that was written by Jacques Tati between 1956 and 1959, but never produced. By then, Tati had already released his first major feature, Jour de fête (1949), followed by his second film Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (1953). Five years later, Tati would continue this trail of fame with his first film in color, Mon Oncle (1958).

The exact reason for why Tati did not go about bringing L’illusionniste to life on the screen is unknown, although many have speculated that it is related to the complex relationship he had with his two daughters. Chomet’s film sheds light on an important period in Tati’s own personal life through the portrayal of the profound love that can thrive between a father and a daughter.

With an entrancing trip through the charming scenery of Europe in the 1950s and a memorable soundtrack, the animated film tells the story of an oddly charismatic French illusionist who finds himself struggling to make ends meet. Wishing not to leave behind his career, he travels to Scotland for a show and there crosses paths with a young woman named Alice. Just as it appears that the illusionist himself is losing hope, Alice’s endearing naïveté leads him to restore his belief in the eternal magic of life.

When: Thursday, January 12^th

Where: Letelier Theatre (3251 Prospect Street, Upper Courtyard, Washington, DC)

Admission:
General: $9
AF Student Members, WIFV members, Students and Seniors: $4
Individual AF Members: FREE.

For more information on the film: http://lillusionniste-lefilm.com/
For more information on upcoming screenings: www.francedc.org

Santa Fe

J’aime aller à Santa Fe en été.

Il fait chaud et aride pendant la journée,

Mais le chaleur ne me moleste pas.

Tu peux vivre près du ciel là-bas.

J’aime aller à Santa Fe en été.

Le soleil brille et le ciel est toujours bleu,

Lors d’une randonée dans le désert, il y a de très belle vues.

Le froid de la nuit me fait du bien après.

J’aime aller è Santa Fe en été.

La fraiche cuisine “tex-mex” est ma preferée.

Y a plus de galleries d’arts que j’aime visiter.

Tu peux dormir près des étoiles à Santa Fe.

-Teresa

New York en été

J’aime New York en été

avec ses grands batiments dans toutes les rues

J’aime l’Empire States Building, le plus grand

avec la vue magnifique et le ciel bleu

J’aime New York en été

tout le monde dans la rue

tout le monde avec le sourire, le rire

J’aime voir tout le monde heureux

J’aime New York en été

On mange des hotdog de New York avec tous les condiments

On reste dans Central Parc sous les arbres

On marche autour de la Statue de la Liberté

de haut en bas des escaliers à l’intérieur de la Statue

-Sukyang

Photo by Frank Horvat - Paris 1958 - Givenchy Hat (version C) at Longchamp horse track

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
- Coco Chanel

In an increasingly globalized world that seems to revolve much faster than we can keep track, the task of identifying fashion trends has become exceptionally difficult. Many designers dig deep into the retro styles of bygone eras, while others strive to compose ‘futuristic’ models. Others still claim to be working in the name of simplicity, while producing styles that are shapeless and devoid of character.

Is the fashion industry actually perishing before our eyes? Not entirely. Global fashion epicenters such as Paris, Tokyo, New York, are still standing, attracting creative minds whose main objective is to keep fashion alive. And while inspiration can ultimately be found anywhere, it is undeniable that French fashion has always been at the forefront throughout the ages.

Since the 1700s, French fashion has been eagerly followed and copied around the world. Before the French Revolution of 1789, the royal family dictated trends through the court and the designers they supported (much like the Medicis of the Renaissance). The mistress of Louis XV, the Marquise de Pompadour, shall forever be remembered for her extravagant gowns with low necklines and skirts so wide that made it virtually impossible to pass in a doorway. Her dresses stood in firm contrast to the simple and elegant gowns preferred by Marie Antoinette.

After the French Revolution, fashion was essentially liberated: the women of Paris no longer felt subjected to the overbearing and constricting fashions of the 1700s. The fashion of the 1800s was marked by flowing muslin dresses, inspired by the classical designs of the Greeks and the Romans. What resulted was an elegant style, favoring a woman’s contours by creating a high Empire style waistline over a draped style dress. Both comfort and elegance had established a successful accord.

Poiret Evening Gown, c1914 (image from the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division)

The 1900s marked the full expression of Parisian haute couture. By the 1920s, haute couture had reached its prominence as a new feminine silhouette had emerged from the French houses of Callot Soeurs, Vionnet at the house of Doucet, and most recognized, Paul Poiret. A newfound elegance oozed femininity in the intricate and elaborate gowns of this era.

Fashion was interrupted somewhat by the World Wars, at least until Christian Dior brought the spotlight of fashion back to Paris in 1947. From then onward, the City of Light would continue to give birth and a home to other modern designers, including Chanel, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean Paul Gaultier, among many other designers that remain household names today. Eventually, French fashion would eventually move beyond clothing to inspire designs in jewelry, cosmetics, and perfume.

The Nuit de la Mode celebrated by the Alliance Française last Saturday, September 24^th, gave attendees the opportunity to admire the work of three contemporary fashion designers: Marina Asta, Camille Pascal, and Elizabeth St. John. Framed by the beautiful outdoor gardens of the Hillwood Estate, an array of interesting colors and designs inspired the public to give a closer look to these new proposals of fashion for the 21^st century.

Perhaps it is now time to stop looking so much into the past for inspiration, and see how one can transform and improve the looks that we have now. Just as Chanel herself expressed one day: “Elegance is refusal.”

References:

http://www.fashion-schools.org/hautecouturearticle.htm

http://www.victoriana.com/1800sclothing/1803.htm

http://www.victoriana.com/GazetteduBonTon/designerdresses.html

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/fashiontime2.html#ixzz1ZGa7Yw24

http://french-luxury.com/history_of_french_fashion.html

http://www.hackelbury.co.uk/artists/horvat/horvat_pic03.html

Thursday night is a good excuse to leave your home tomorrow evening and join a special celebration of the Alliance Française de Washington! “Back to France” promises to be more than just a happy hour: there will be a silent art auction featuring local artists; music will come from a live band; Belgian beer and other fancy drinks will be served; and perhaps most surprisingly, the Bibliotèque will be showing off its more modern, new image for the AF community.

Courtesy of http://cutandstickamix.blogspot.com/

What: Back to France happy hour

When: Thursday, September 15th, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Where: Alliance Française de Washington, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW

Do not miss out on greeting old friends, meeting new ones, and enjoying a French-inspired evening at a lovely location … Fall in love tomorrow night!