The Paris Gown
Australian author Wells takes the reader on a sojourn to 1950s Paris, from Saint-Germain to Maison Dior. Three young women, who first met in 1950 taking a Cordon Bleu cooking course, reunite in 1956. Female friendship becomes a central theme as these women overcome obstacles, growing in strength and stature as they ponder careers and romance. American journalist, Gina, whose father’s business has failed and her recent engagement ended, wants to write a novel. Parisian chef, Claire, who resembles a pre-Raphaelite painting with her glorious red hair, has put her dreams of becoming a Michelin chef on hold to run the family brasserie – Le Chat Qui Pêche. Margot, an Australian fleeing domestic abuse by a narcissist, has the saddest story of all, living in constant fear and vigilance, hearing his voice criticizing everything she did and thought. Then Claire is gifted an apartment and a Dior gown. Claire is the kindest and most grounded of the three. When Gina is invited to the US embassy, she must wear the gown. At the fitting, they discover Margot, with a haunted look, working secretly at Dior under an assumed name: Marie Foulin.
Though fictional, the gown is inspired by the creation for Princess Margaret on her 21st birthday, one of Cinderella enchantment: “a magnolia dream of silk organza, a satin skirt embroidered with gold thread, mother of pearl, beads, and sequins with a flourish of chiffon at the shoulder.” It becomes a symbol. Independence and respect are other important themes woven throughout. How much of yourself and your dreams are you expected to give up for love and marriage?
