Paul Poiret, Georges Lepape: free fashion exhibition at Christie’s Paris 8e

In Paris, Christie’s opens its 8th floor rooms to a free exhibition featuring gouaches by Georges Lepape and a piece by 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. The free exhibition features an embroidered silk muff by Paul Poiret and a series of 13 superb gouaches by Georges Lepape.

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.

During a quick visit, fashion enthusiasts and design students alike find a concrete field of study. Materials and designs interact. In this way, you can place Poiret in the context of 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, a 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 route remains short and easy to follow.

• 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: 15 minutes.

Remarkable men and period traces

Paul 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.

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 8th district offers a pleasant urban extension after the visit. This free exhibition becomes a practical milestone in a cultural day in Paris.

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.

Visual © Christie’s images limited

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