Vivien Buys A Secret Dress

Picture Post, February 25, 1957

It was fashion collection time in Paris. The Oliviers were flying back to London after their holiday in Spain. Miss Leigh decided they must stop off in Paris to see the shows and do a little shopping on the side.

Paradise—Fifty times over

How hectic can a trip to Paris be? The Oliviers had just spent a month lazing in the sun in Andalusia. But after 48 hours in Paris, it’s a wonder they weren’t exhausted and in need of another month’s holiday in Spain. Their schedule went like this:

2:15pm. Arrive at Orly airport. Met by Madame Siedman of the Pierre Balmain fashion house and taken straight to Balmain’s salons in Paris. There Miss Leigh tried on 50 dresses! And what did Sir Laurence do? Help fasten all those zips, buttons, and bows? What does a man do in such a situation? Supply the compliments, of course!

The Oliviers only had time for a quick snack of hard-boiled eggs and beer before they rushed to St. George’s Theatre to see Marcel Achard’s play Patate.

Then to a restaurant on the Champs Elysees for a well earned after-theatre supper—somewhat more substantial than their earlier snack.

Dining out with fashion

Home to bed in the early hours. But Wednesday they were up bright and early and their first call was to Christian Dior’s salon to see his spring and summer collection.

Wednesday evening. Dinner with Pierre Balmain and off to a fashionable night club in the Champ Elysees—said to have the biggest and best cabaret in Europe…

It was three o’clock before the Oliviers left to go back to their hotel.

Next morning they were on their way to England … Miss Leigh’s luggage several pounds heavier… full of Paris creations! The perfect end to a perfect holiday!