An exquisitely illustrated examination of the influence of fashion, as conceived by Olivier Saillard and interpreted by Tilda Swinton. The Impossible Wardrobe documents three groundbreaking exhibitions curated by Olivier Saillard and poetically brought to life by Tilda Swinton. Serving as part fashion object, part catalog, and part artist book, this work not only consists of the sole record of Swinton’s critically acclaimed sold-out performances—that were by their very nature ephemeral artworks—but also serves as a unique survey of the Palais Galliera’s extraordinary collection of iconic clothing.
This lavish three-book set presents the three performance pieces that spanned a period of three years. In The Impossible Wardrobe (2012), Swinton walks down a runway with a selection of historically and culturally significant garments from the past 200 years. In Eternity Dress (2013), a garment is tailor-made for the actress in front of a live audience. And in the third performance in the series, Cloakroom (2014), Swinton examines the special relationship between an item of clothing and its owner. A glorious ode to fashion, The Impossible Wardrobe presents and elevates couture to a veritable art form.