La Redoute, un temps d’avance.
Azzedine Alaïa, playsuit, ready-to-wear 1995 – Azzedine Alaïa Foundation – Poster: “Azzedine Alaïa, guest designer for the Spring/Summer 1995 season” Model: Naomi Campbell – La Redoute Roubaix Archives © Alain Leprince - La Piscine Photography Department, Roubaix
Born out of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the city of Roubaix has built a strong identity around the textile industry. La Redoute, founded in 1837 by Joseph Pollet, is above all a story of audacious entrepreneurs based in Roubaix. The ‘La Piscine’ museum sets out to tell this success story, which began with a family-run spinning mill renowned for the quality of its fabrics and knitwear. Over time, the brand established itself as a major player in mail-order catalog across Europe, before becoming a leading name in French e-commerce, particularly in the fields of ready-to-wear and home décor.
Visionary, the brand helped drive the emergence of modern retail, notably through the release of the first mail-order catalog in 1928, contributing to the democratization of fashion.
The exhibition aims to trace, beyond this commercial revolution, the role played by La Redoute in the evolution of society and consumer habits. Drawing on its archives (advertisements, sales catalogues, personal accounts, postcards, photographs, clothing), it highlights collaborations with renowned fashion designers and creators (Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Azzedine Alaïa, Sonia Rykiel, Jacquemus, Kevin Germanier…), as well as with designers (Sam Baron, Constance Guisset, Philippe Starck, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Christian Lacroix). She also refers to the staged portraits of public figures photographed by Dominique Issermann and Kate Barry, among others.
Renowned couturier and collector, Azzedine Alaïa has built an exceptional collection. A selection of pieces from his foundation is on display, bringing together his own creations with pieces from his collection, notably by Lanvin, Jean Patou and Elsa Schiaparelli.