Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête
French haute couture designer Paul Poiret had the innovative idea of ending corsets for women, thus freeing them from a suffocating constraint. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is dedicating an exhibition to him, the first fully dedicated to this figure of Parisian haute couture, from June 25, 2025, to January 11, 2026. A deep dive into the early decades of the 20th century, where dresses became works of art.
Renowned for liberating women by introducing fluid silhouettes, low waistlines under the bust, and vibrant colors in his creations, Paul Poiret, who became a couturier in 1903, is seen as a bold genius with a flamboyant universe, transforming fashion into an art of living. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be able to explore all the areas where he made his mark, from decorative arts to perfumery, including gastronomy and, of course, fashion. A selection of works, documents, and testimonies from the museum’s collections will highlight his influence on contemporary designers and immerse visitors in his creative world, from his fascination with the Russian Ballets to his artistic collaboration with Raoul Dufy, as well as the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts.
Paul Iribe — Les robes de Paul Poiret racontées par Paul Iribe 1908 Album, planche n° 3 © Les Arts Décoratifs
