Mark Foy's French Mannequin Parade of 1947

French mannequins (models) Lydia Leplat, Janine Lequievre, Suzanne Combe and Maggy Sarragne arrive by sea plane at Rose Bay before performing a runway show at Mark Foy’s department store in 1947.

This silent colour footage was shot on 16 mm film at the iconic Liverpool Street store in Sydney.

Famous European design houses featured include: Jacques Fath, Pierre Balmain, Carven, Paquin, Bruyere, Gres, Jean Desses, Schiaparelli, Worth, Molyneux, Marcel Rochas, milliner Maud Roser and a Jeanne Lanvin wedding gown.

The dresses move from daytime pants, swimsuits and dresses to glamorous evening wear. Seeing this parade in colour really brings the 1940s back to life.

Australian models Diana Gregory and Judy Barraclough also feature.

This is an excerpt from Fashion Parades at Mark Foy’s (1947–56), Film Australia Collection © NFSA. Accompanying excerpts show excerpts of Mark Foy's bridal collection circa 1947 and a French-themed fashion parade in 1956.

Notes by Beth Taylor