Paul Poiret

1879-1944

After working for Jacques Doucet as a fashion illustrator and then for the house of Worth, Paul Poiret founded his own fashion house in 1903. His style was influenced by the Orientalism that was in vogue. An avant-garde couturier, he liberated women from the corset by favouring high waists. An art collector, he was also the first couturier to create his own perfume house in 1911.

haute couture, circa 1920

haute couture, circa 1920s

haute couture, circa 1919-1920

Haute couture, circa 1912

  • haute couture, circa 1920

    Travel coat, Paul Poiret

    personal wardrobe of Denise Boulet Poiret

    Ivory colored wool with brown stripes woven by Rodier, inspired by traditional North African dress. Extra-large high-neck collar with asymmetrical buttoning, cuffed sleeves.Lining in silk pongee printed with a pattern of diamond shapes and stylised leaves by Raoul Dufy

    haute couture, circa 1920

    FAA.POI.0002

    Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

    Ph. Patricia Schwoerer

  • haute couture, circa 1920s

    Evening dress, Paul Poiret

    Black silk taffeta, embroidered with a guipure application and pearled braid ending in a silk passementerie fringe. Plunging neckline and underdress in ivory colored silk crepe and cotton twill

    haute couture, circa 1920s

    FAA.POI.0004

    Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

    Ph. Patricia Schwoerer

  • haute couture, circa 1919-1920

    Coat and dress ensemble, Paul Poiret

    Ensemble « Tangier » model, personal wardrobe of Denise Boulet Poiret

    Coat and dress in brown wool. Geometric embroidery of coloured cotton threads and silk tassels. Burnous cloak with large hood, gathered front and back yokes, hand slits in the side seams

    haute couture, circa 1919-1920

    FAA.POI.0001.1-2

    Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

    Ph. Patricia Schwoerer

  • Haute couture, circa 1912

    Jacket, Paul Poiret

     «Muscovite» jacket, personal wardrobe of Denise Boulet Poiret

    Green duvetine trimmed with printed silk braid identical to the lining, floral bouquet motif based on a design by the Martine atelier. Russian coachman-style sweetheart neckline, raglan sleeves and black and gold soutache

    haute couture, circa 1912

    FAA.POI.0007

    Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

    Ph. Patricia Schwoerer