[143] pp.

Mona Bismarck Foundation

2009

11 3/8″ x 9″

Fine

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Book from the exhibition at the Mona Bismarck Foundation in 2009–the wardrobe of the short-reigning Queen: “Marie-Jos de Savoie was briefly Queen Consort of Italy; given the nickname “the May Queen” from her short 24-day reign (May 9 June 2, 1946) prior to the Italian referendum to abolish the monarchy. As Princess of Belgium, she was groomed for royal marriage to the future king of Italy Umberto, Prince of Piedmont. When Marie-Jos left Italy in the wake of the 1946 referendum, several trunks travelled with her; inside them one of her attendants had carefully packed a collection of gowns and mantles which had accompanied her on her official duties during the previous sixteen years. Sixty years later they are still in perfect condition. Mr. Hubert de Givenchy is the scenographer of this exhibition. Gowns and costumes are enhanced by creations designed by American jeweler Kenneth Jay Lane and tiaras and accessories from the collection of French artisan jeweler Stephane Marant.” A softcover catalogue