Paul Poiret: free fashion exhibition at Christie’s Paris 8e
In Paris, Christie’s opens its rooms in the 8th arrondissement to a free exhibition dedicated to Paul Poiret. This chic and historic interlude invites the curious, students and enthusiasts alike to view rare pieces.
Paul Poiret at Christie’s Paris: context and challenges
A major figure in couture, Poiret has been shaking up the silhouette since 1906. Here, we bring you textiles, sketches, magazines and objects from private collections. The narrative reveals how fashion is thought and made. This free exhibition compares creation, distribution and heritage.
This is not a museum, but an auction house. Nevertheless, the displays are well thought-out and educational. What’s more, access is free during the gallery’s opening days. This free exhibition is in keeping with the tradition of public presentations at Christie’s Paris.
Fashion enthusiasts and design students alike find this a concrete field of study. The clear labels, materials and drawings are in dialogue with each other. In this way, you can place Poiret in his era without the need for jargon. The free exhibition becomes a simple and precious cultural rendezvous.
“Fashion can also be read in its archives, at eye level.”
What you’ll see on site
Paul Poiret – Embroidered sleeve (Textile; 1912): in this free exhibition, an isolated sleeve reveals the workshop’s work on embroidery and cutting. The density of the stitch and the supple line tell the story of fashion in motion.
The tour is short and easy to follow. You move along by theme, from garment to printed image. Wall-mounted texts provide guidance without overload. So anyone can take notes or photographs for personal use.
- Address: Christie’s Paris, 9 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris.
- Access: Franklin D. Roosevelt (L1 and L9) and Saint-Philippe du Roule (L9) metro stations.
- Admission: free; security check at reception.
- Opening times: vary according to sales calendar; please ask on site.
- Recommended duration: 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace.
Paul Poiret, a modern pioneer
Poiret rejected the corset in favor of straight, easy-to-wear cuts. References to the Orient, theater and the decorative arts fueled his vision. In addition, color takes pride of place, far from half-tones. In this free exhibition, these preconceived ideas come to life.
Around him, a network of artists structured a strong image. Georges Lepape illustrated, while André Mare and Louis Süe designed sets and bindings. In this way, couture dialogues with graphics, publishing and design. The free exhibition shows this unadorned creative mesh.
Georges Lepape – Thirteen original plates (Fashion illustration; 1912): a set of 13 plates captures the straightforward allure and graphic spirit of the period, presented in the free exhibition. The rhythmic layout and fluid lines reflect a fertile dialogue with couture.
Printed documents tell the story of a carefully thought-out image strategy. Covers, layouts and typography establish a clear identity. And the materiality of paper complements the textiles. This free exhibition will help you grasp the alchemy between clothing and publication.
Practical tips for enjoying your visit
Priority should be given to weekday mornings, as these are less busy. Bring your identification with you, as this simplifies the reception process. You’ll save time at the entrance and enjoy the works of art more fully. The free exhibition allows for a flexible visit, with no time constraints.
Parents, think of a short course, suitable for young eyes. Also, a notebook or telephone is all you need to jot down references and ideas. In short, a couple of dozen well-framed photos can replace a long report. Then reread your notes to prepare for any further work or visits.
Highlights and period features
Textiles interact with magazines, labels and technical drawings. So you can see how a sketch becomes a cut, then a garment, then an image. And the details of manufacture catch the curious eye. This free exhibition brings these steps together in a clear and concise way.
Pierre Corrard – Personal copy, numbered 2/300 (Magazine; Art Deco binding by André Mare and Louis Süe): a numbered personal copy catches the eye with its careful binding. The object tells the story of the encounter between luxury publishing, graphic design and couture.
Around these pieces, the Paris of the 1910s reappears in dashes. An address, a printer and a motif are all it takes to locate a network. What’s more, the
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