Bob Dylan and ‘Dalida, her Wardrobe On and Off-Stage’ in Paris this April

20 February 2017

Icons are very much on the agenda this April, as Palais Galliera pay homage to the late, great tragic diva Dalida and her exceptional wardrobe… and arguably the greatest lyricist of all time returns to Paris, as he prepares to mesmerise the audience at Le Zenith on the only French date of his European tour.

Bob Dylan

20th April 2017

Information & Tickets

No musician has had more influence over 20th century society and culture than Bob Dylan. Music’s own poet laureate… he is a Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee; recipient of an Academy Award, a Pulitzer Prize, multiple Grammys and now a Nobel Prize in Literature… but plaudits aside, perhaps his biggest achievement is that in a career spanning over 50 years, Robert Allen Zimmerman is still as innovative and relevant today as he always has been.

Where other performers accept their fate, confining themselves to ‘Greatest Hits’ tours after a certain number of years in the industry; Bob Dylan has worked tirelessly to bring something new to the table with each show he performs. Whether it be routines containing new original material, covers of other artists, or revisions of his own back catalogue… there is no danger that a Dylan show will be a facsimile run-through of his best-known songs. Even the most seasoned of Dylanites – some veterans of hundreds of shows – still don’t know what to expect when they turn out in their droves to see him live; which is perhaps why they keep coming back.

While an evening with Bob is as unpredictable as the EuroMillions, his European tour coincides with the release of his first three-disc album, ‘Triplicate’ – containing his interpretation of compositions by some of America’s greatest songwriters (not including himself)… and although it is not a given, it is likely that he will at least perform one song from this album. Another likelihood is that Dylan, along with his raspy vocals and masterful lyrics, will subject you to some elegant piano and his trademark harmonica.

Perhaps the only certainty of the show, is that a brilliant band will accompany him on… with Charlie Sexton and Stuart Kimball laying down the rhythms on guitar, and multi-instrumentalist, Don Herron bringing a diverse array of sounds to the equation.

Whatever it is Bob Dylan has in store for the evening, the opportunity to see one of the greatest musicians to ever take the stage, is one not to be missed; and he stops off in Paris on his seemingly never-ending tour on 20th April, when he will surprise… and amaze all those in attendance.

‘Dalida, her Wardrobe On and Off-Stage’

27th April – 13th August 2017

Information & Tickets

Lolanda Cristina Gigliotti, known to the world as Dalida… is one of the most successful French artists of all time; selling over 170 million albums in a prestigious career, which would also see her rise to prominence in the movie industry. However, though remembered for her multiple talents and exceptional beauty, the tragic diva is perhaps best known for her role as a fashion icon; and until August, Palais Galliera is home to an exhibition celebrating the life of Dalida… through means of her extensive wardrobe.

The exposition – made possible through the donation of her clothing by her brother Orlando – begins in the Salon d’Honneur of the museum… where you are instantly drawn to an elegant strapless gown by Jean Dessès. This red number coincides with Dalida’s ‘Bambino at Bobino’, the first of her many hits, which would launch the career of the singer on her ascent to superstardom.

The numbering dresses donned by Dalida during her glistening stage career, are displayed under the gilded frescoes of the Grand Galerie; featuring playful numbers by Jacques Esterel from the 1950s, through to sequinned disco outfits by Michael Fesnay, worn by Dalida in the 1970s and 80s. This section of the exhibition serves as a reflection of the changes in the world of fashion… and the evolution of Dalida as an artist; in which she continued to reinvent herself, remaining relevant in the callous world of the entertainment industry throughout the duration of her career.

Lauren Hutton once said “Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose”… and off the stage, Dalida’s choosing confirmed her status as a fashion icon. Collections from her personal wardrobe are viewable in the Ouest Galerie of the Palais Galliera, where the style and sophistication of the tragic diva is made abundantly clear. The coats, capes, dresses and other items of clothing on display are an epitome of Parisian splendour, featuring haute couture and prêt-à-porter collections from some of the most desirable names in fashion.

Before her untimely death in 1987, Dalida had swapped the stage for the screen, bringing her glamour to a number of motion pictures. Her film career is remembered in the Salle Carrée, where a selection of the most memorable outfits worn by Dalida on the silver screen, are accompanied by snippets from the movies in which she wore them.

See the ‘Dalida, her Wardrobe On and Off-Stage’ exhibition at the Palais Galliera between 27th April and 13th August, with entry to the museum available from €11.

'Bob Dylan' © Xavier Badosa | CC License