Marie-Jeanne (Rose) Bertin (1747–1813) was the first celebrity fashion designer and is widely credited with having brought fashion and haute couture to the forefront of popular culture.
Establishing her own business as a fashion merchant at just 23, she was introduced to Marie Antoinette after Louis XVI ascended the throne and her future was secured. Twice a week, Bertin would present her newest creations to the queen and spend hours discussing them. Bertin’s position as the designer to the queen also secured her role as the leading fashion designer of the French aristocracy. This lecture will discuss their unique relationship and the designs that ensued.
Paola Di Trocchio is a leading fashion curator, writer and speaker who has curated and co-curated 22 fashion and textiles exhibitions over her 20-year career at the National Gallery of Victoria.