‘Elegance Francaise’

Elegance Francaise was what Miss World 1955 May Louise Flodin and three other models brought to Manila during a short visit in November 1955. The four elegant ladies, described by The Sunday Times MAGAZINE as ‘living Parisian mannequins,’ paraded in a fashion show at The Manila Hotel, which displayed 70 French designs.

Miss Flodin, from Guthenberg, Sweden, became a top model in Paris. The three unnamed models were French.

The Sunday Times, which sponsored the fashion show, noted that of the 168 hours they stayed in Manila, not more than eight hours were spent on stage.

Most of the time they were enjoying the sights and sounds of Manila and Tagaytay. The fashion show Elegance

Francaise was very wellreceived by the Manila audience. ‘Magnifique.’ Graceful, simple, comfortable. The Sunday Times wrote that some local designers and debutantes in the audience want to throw away trunkloads full of elaborate cutwork, beadwork and embroidery.

May Louise Flodin (Miss World 1955) on the cover of The Sunday Times MAGAZINE wearing a Dior flower-printed silk dress. Backdrop: Pasig River and Escolta skyline.

…riding the calesa in Luneta

…with three other visiting models, billed Ambassadresses of Elegance. Background is Manila City Hall and Congress building.

…with Taal Volcano in Tagaytay as background

…boating on Manila Bay

…watching Jaialai game and later dancing at the Sky Room