From this collaboration, a poetic journey emerges, punctuated by sumptuous garments, the majority of which are exhibited in France for the first time. Festive dresses, coats, veils and head-dresses which comprised the bride's trousseau illustrate, in a unique way, the continuity of the traditions and knowledge developed and transmitted from mother to daughter.

The exhibition pays homage to the millennary art of embroidery by presenting the work of these women who, over the centuries, have created ways to enhance their beauty and to exist within societies which have so long marginalised them. Simultaneously, they display their own personalities, aesthetic sensibilities and emotions.

The creations presented in the exhibition are a glimpse into the history of these women whose hands, gestures, tastes and talent have instilled a part of themselves into the fabric and the silk or cotton threads used to compose each garment, as if it were a work of art.

Beyond its historical and ethnological scope WOMEN IN ORIENT also aspires to explore the aesthetics of women’s clothing as works of art.

Christian Lacroix has selected a remarkable ensemble of garments made up of colored threads on black cotton, silver lamé, striped silk linings, winged dresses and tie-dyed fabrics.