Paul Poiret: Fashion is a Feast

from 25 June 2025 to 11 January 2026

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents the first monograph dedicated to Paul Poiret (1879-1944), an emblematic figure of Parisian haute couture at the beginning of the 20th century. Known for freeing women from corsets by introducing flowing silhouettes and vibrant colors to his designs, Poiret revolutionized fashion history.

The exhibition Paul Poiret: Fashion is a Feast is an immersion into his creative universe, exploring his boldness and artistic power through fashion, decorative arts, perfumery, parties, and even gastronomy, in the bubbling cultural context of the early 20th century. Highlighting the lasting influence of his work on contemporary stylists, the exhibition offers visitors an engaging experience, with a selection of works, documents and testimonials.

Information

Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
France
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 55 57 50


• Access
• Opening Hours and Admission Fees


Curator

• Marie-Sophie Carron de la Carrière, curator in charge of the fashion and textile collections 1800-1946.
• Assisted by Marie-Pierre Ribère, assistant curator for fashion and textile collections

Présentation
Paul Poiret — Robe du soir {Joséphine}, 1907
Paul Poiret — Robe du soir Joséphine, 1907
© Les Arts Décoratifs / Jean Tholance

He became a fashion designer in 1903, formulating a tailor-made lifestyle for a rich and cultivated clientèle that loved innovation. Following the example of his mentor, couturier Jacques Doucet, he built up a personal collection of works by artists of his time, some of whom were friends: from Matisse to Picasso, to Brancusi, as well as Van Dongen and Dunoyer de Segonzac. Paul Poiret revolutionized fashion by simplifying silhouettes and introducing structural changes such as low waistlines adorned with grosgrain ribbons. His vibrant and bold color palette, inspired by fauvism and Orientalism, reflects his innovative spirit. Drawing on the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ extensive collections (fashion, textiles, furniture, drawings, photographs, illustrations and posters), the exhibition explores the various themes that marked Paul Poiret’s life and work, his fascination with Russian Ballets, his artistic collaboration with Raoul Dufy and the 1925 International Arts and Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts Exhibition, as well as his stylistic influence.

Activities for groups

ADULT GROUPS

Guided Tour – 1h30 / 15 years old and +
Paul Poiret: Fashion is A Feast

Famous for liberating women from corsets by introducing fluid silhouettes and vibrant colours into his designs, Paul Poiret revolutionised the history of fashion. The guided tour takes visitors from room to room to discover this designer and his world. With the guide leading the way, the works are described, analysed and contextualised to help visitors understand Paul Poiret’s approach.

EDUCATION GROUPS

Guided Tour – 1h30 / From primary school
Paul Poiret: Fashion is A Feast

Famous for liberating women from corsets by introducing fluid silhouettes and vibrant colours into his designs, Paul Poiret revolutionised the history of fashion. The guided tour takes visitors from room to room to discover this designer and his world. With the guide leading the way, the works are described, analysed and contextualised to help visitors understand Paul Poiret’s approach.


Workshop - 2h / Middle schools & High schools
The Worlds of Paul Poiret

As they explore the exhibition, the students will create a multi-faceted fashion scene. Drawings, motifs and colours are combined to create unique and varied backgrounds for a fashion silhouette from the early 20th century.

INFORMATION / Reservation

Schedules for group visits and activities:
• Youth (scholar and leisure): Tuesday to Friday from 10am
• Social Field and Visitors with disabilities : Tuesday to Friday from 10am
• Adults : Tuesday to Friday from 10am

You can contact the Education Department from Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm:
• by phone: +33(0)1 44 55 57 66
• by email: reservation@madparis.fr

All correspondence should be addressed to Service des Publics, Les Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.

Pre-booking form Young leisure and school groups
Download (54.8 KiB)
Pre-booking form for adult and company
Download (54.4 KiB)
Pre-booking form for adult association
Download (54.7 KiB)

Please send the completed pre-reservation form to reservation@madparis.fr.

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