Paul PoiretPaul Poiret, an influential French designer during the post-Edwardian era, was born April 20, 1879 in Paris. Known throughout the world during this time as the “King of Fashion”, Poiret began his fashion career at the age of nineteen working under Jacques Doucet. In his autobiography he was quoted saying, "People have been good enough to say that I have exercised a powerful influence over my age, and that I have inspired the whole of my generation. I dare not make the pretension that this is true”. He eventually left the Maison Doucet after the creation of his signature cape became quite popular among society. After strains with his father and workplace became obvious, Poiret left the Maison Doucet and was drafted into the army during World War 1. Following his stint in the army, he began working at Maison Worth. This job was the first that allowed him to truly work in the world of high fashion. His name was becoming known and his styles were becoming more recognizable throughout society. Once Poiret’s name became known in the fashion industry he was able to open his own shop in Paris. Once he was able to open his own shop and had proven to be moderately successful he became an instant innovator and restorative as a creative force in the fashion world. His looks began to shape the way women would commonly dress for years to come. Also found in his autobiography, he said that he became such a success during the highest times in the industry because of the need for clothing for the public. “It was in my inspiration of artists, in my dressing of theatrical pieces, in my assimilation of and response to new needs, that I served the public of my day”. A humble man with exquisite talent, he proved to be a driving force in the styles that are referred back to even today. His use of color and oriental-inspired designs were a great change from the muted colors of the Edwardian-era, allowing women to create a different look for themselves. After returning back from war in 1919 the House of Poiret began to struggle financially. He finally lost the House to bankruptcy in 1929. Though the line was never carried on, his designs continues to influence the appearance of women’s style throughout modern times.
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