Dear Shaded Viewers,
A visionary well ahead of his time, Poiret was the first couturier to launch his own perfume line. He founded a decorative arts school for young women and had their finest works produced. He commissioned illustrators to immortalize his designs, performed on stage, and even published a cookbook—merging lifestyle, performance, and couture into a singular artistic vision.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents its first major monographic exhibition dedicated to Paul Poiret (1879–1944), a key figure of Parisian haute couture. Recognized for freeing the female body from the corset, Poiret is widely credited with reshaping the language of fashion in the modern era.
“With the coming of Paul Poiret the fashion changed completely,” wrote Christian Dior, acknowledging the profound impact of the early 20th-century couturier.
Thérèse Bonney, Paul Poiret photographié avec le mannequin Renée et son tailleur Christian dans les salons de sa maison de couture, 1927, photographie positive par l’ARCP d’après le négatif. © The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley / Thérèse Bonney / BHVP, cote : NN-006-02707.
Invited by the museum as artistic director, graphic designer Anette Lenz brings a bold, contemporary approach to the scenography, elevating Poiret’s creations and inviting visitors into a world of wonder and inspiration.
More information about the exhibition: https://madparis.fr/Paul-Poiret-La-mode-est-une-fete
Yours digitally,
Pedro Guez
