Notice to fashion enthusiasts and the curious, the Mairie du XVI^th lifts the veil behind the scenes of a great luxury House through the eyes of a first saleswoman of 20th century haute couture: Françoise Petit. The exhibition retraces the history of the Parisian, her work and her dedication to Lanvin and Chanel, two great iconic fashion houses to which she dedicated herself for more than 40 years. As the first saleswoman, her role was major within these luxurious fashion houses since she advised the greatest French and American families up to the first ladies of France.

In these two parked rooms imbued with charm, an entire quality wardrobe is presented to us alongside a large collection of old photographs, fashion magazines, perfume bottles, shoes..., in short, a host of accessories, reflections of a time when fashion was a true art of living. The sumptuous designer dresses shine in the heart of the room and inevitably immerse us in the golden age of haute couture at a time when elegance and grace were at their peak. Between the quality of the silk fabrics, the delicacy of the lace and the finesse of the patterns, it is a true spectacle of elegance and refinement which is orchestrated here, surrounded by a multitude of archives revealing the daily life of these first sellers who have now fallen into oblivion. Add to that a refined scenography, a fluid circulation in a warm atmosphere to be as close as possible to the lifestyle of the time, the exhibition promises a dazzling journey through time and highlights the fine charm of the women's wardrobe.

A majestic tribute to all these women crossed by the passion for fashion which lives up to its name: Memory of an elegant woman .