In this graphic novel, we discover the little hands that have worked so that the whole world can dress. It all starts at the textile fair where Pétronille Griffon, a fashion archaeologist, brought everyone who has something to do with the history of clothing. We start with Monsieur Paléo, Audrey Millet, textile historian, but we will also meet Karl Lagerfeld, Colbert, Otzi, an Indian textile worker, King Arthur, or an influencer with many followers. So we will learn a lot about the history of fashion, the history of humanity and history in general.
They are 3 behind this album. Séverine Laliberté who is an archaeologist at the CNRS. She has worked on numerous excavation sites. She writes adventure novels for children. Audrey Millet is a doctor in history and an expert in, hang on, fashion ecosystem with a historical perspective. She is the author of 6 books and collaborates regularly with various media. And Nicola Gobbi for the illustrations. He has published many children’s books, he is Italian. They combined their talents to deliver this fabulous textile history on 200 pages.
It reminded me a bit of the cartoons “Once upon a time in life”, “Once upon a time in man”, “Once upon a time in history” where the little characters could travel in time, observe what was happening and explain to us concretely the scene that was unfolding before our eyes. It’s very didactic and it is clear that we do not know much about this universe except the names of the great designers and it was a shame. That’s what’s been restored with this book.