The legendary house of Jean Patou (some...

The legendary house of Jean Patou (some say the boldest of French haute couture designers) will present the first public viewing of its full ‘86-87 fall and winter collection in the United States on Oct. 30. Alain Galliano, French trade commissioner for Los Angeles, has announced that the collection will be featured in “A Salute to French Impressions,” a gala celebration and dinner to benefit the Costume Council of the County Museum of Art.

The black-tie fashion extravaganza at the Beverly Wilshire will kick off “French Impressions ‘86,” a major exposition of French fashions and home furnishings at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The exposition runs Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

Already Los Angeles is bustling with plans for the tribute. The Costume Council has formed a gala committee headed by Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Oppenheimer, honorary chairmen. Mrs. Miguel Llanos and Mrs. Franklin Johnson are co-chairmen. Says Nelly Llanos, “It’s an evening not to be missed.” Proceeds will help the museum acquire and preserve costumes and textiles of 240 cultures and time periods.