Hairstyles and Fashion: A Hairdresser's History of Paris

The way a society deals with hair speaks volumes about its structures, its wealth, and its values. How is hair arranged? Is it left long or cut short? How often is it washed? Do men and women treat their hair differently and what does this tell us about gender?

This stimulating book contains articles written by the Paris hairstylist Emile Long between December 1910 and December 1920 for an English trade journal. Long's purpose in writing was to keep English coiffeurs informed about the goings-on in the world of fashion and hairdressing in France, and especially in Paris.

In doing so he has provided us with a personal cultural history of the world's most fashionable city in a period that stretches from the end of the Belle Epoque, through the First World War, and into the opening year of the Roaring Twenties.

His investigation of hairstyles and fashion inevitably leads him to a fascinating discussion of important historical issues: the 'true' nature of Woman; the genesis and democratization of fashion; and popular attitudes towards hygiene.

With his engaging literary style Long invites us to think about consumer habits and technology, notions of fashion and cleanliness, and changing ideals of femininity and the social order.

Students and scholars of history, fashion and French society will enjoy these rich and revealing accounts of what hair means to identity and culture.

DÉFILÉ ESTIVAL DE - DYNAMITE - Summer Fashion Show 2009

DÉFILÉ ESTIVAL DE - DYNAMITE - SUMMER FASHION SHOW

Gucci Men's Fashion Show Fall Winter 2009/10 Full Show

Gucci Men's Fashion Show Fall Winter 2009/10 Full Show

Chloé Fall Winter 09-10 fashion show

The Chloé FW 09/10 runway introducing the Autumn Winter 2009/2010 collection by Hannah MacGibbon, held at the Espace Ephémère in Paris on March 11, 2009.

Versace Spring 2010 Fashion Show

One of my favourite mini was the pink mirrored mini dress worn by Natasha Poly. I would love to see this dress on the red carpet at the upcoming American Music Awards. Katy Perry immediately springs to mind.

Bustier dresses, short skirts, tight-fitted tops, polka dotted pants, and belted coats were all presented alongside the minis.

The colour palette ranged from baby blue, pink, lime, aqua, grey, white, silver and yellow.

The prints were very striking. Some were tropical and some were psychedelic. PVC skirts and dresses were covered in these prints, which were worn over bikini’s and panties.

The collection wasn’t all about ultra short mini dresses on leggy models, we were also presented with sultry gowns Versace is known for.

The gowns stood apart with thigh-high splits, cut-out details, slashes to the hips and embellishments.

I would love to see Kate Winslet wearing the plunging mint green gown, and Penelope Cruz wearing the aqua blue one-shouldered gown.

There was something for everyone in this collection. Teen Hollywood will love the minis, and daring A listers will love the gowns.

These bags will no doubt become the ‘IT’ bag next summer.

The show finished with the models all lined up showing the best pieces from the presentation, prior to Donatella Versace taking her bow.

It was the perfect way for Donatella to close the show.