A 1925 silk and leather shoe by Francois Pinet.Photo provided to China Daily

Met Gala dress code inspires sartorial rebels

'China edition' blends past with present

"Some of the exhibits were especially chosen to appeal to Chinese audiences in terms of their design, inspiration, color or style," Camilli says. "But I really hope that audiences like them all."

Since her first show in Hong Kong, Camilli has curated exhibitions in Le Musee des Tissus and des Arts Decoratifs and Musees Gadagne in Lyon, as well as in New York City. Later this year, she will mount a show called French Times in Paris. Each show is tailor-made for its host city, and she works with the specific site conditions of every space to ensure a smooth, self-explanatory exhibition.

"When I started to imagine this exhibition, the little black dress appeared as the ideal pretext to enhance a selection of fashion accessories that I found essential," Camilli explains. "Of course, it also was the best of opportunities to share some stories.

"The story of the little black dress is the story of the 20th-century woman. For a long time restricted to periods of mourning, uniforms and maids' clothing, black suddenly became an integral part of every woman's wardrobe by the end of the 1920s. A liberated woman before anyone even thought of women's liberation, Chanel invented a different kind of femininity－a new code of elegance. Chanel's Ford, her little black dressed launched in 1926, had as much success as the car of the same name.

"The little black dress was a symbol of Parisian chic. It was perfect for every occasion and adaptable to every circumstance."

One of the best parts about the little black dress is that it is extremely hard-working and versatile.

Its monochromatic minimalism can be dressed up or down with an assortment of accessories. One dress can literally be worn for virtually every occasion.

"You can wear a very simple and cheap little black dress, yet make it look totally different with accessories," Camilli notes.