neering the modern bra. But he also possessed exception- al talent and charisma. Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête (until 11 January 2026) is the largest solo exhibition dedicated to this Parisian genius, highlighting not only his work as a couturier over 40 years, but also revealing lesser-known facets of this great icon of French art de vivre. These include his roles as a paint- er, collector, perfumer, publisher and furniture designer. Achievements are more than enough for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris to host an exceptional exhibi- tion to him, tracing his legacy from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties. Known as ‘Le Magnifique’ or the ‘King of Fashion’ – the title of his autobiographical book published in 1931 – Poiret’s expansive talent and charisma also made him the perfect host, organising exclusive parties in interwar Paris. But these celebrations were also partly the reason for his downfall. After almost 26 years, in 1929 he closed his atelier on Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré and faded into obscu- rity. ‘He was always very modern for his time,’ emphasises Marie-Sophie Carron de la Carrière, curator of the exhibi- tion, who defines Poiret as ‘a visionary, an aesthete and a lover of art and life’. The timeless nature of his creations has served as inspiration for later designers such as Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix and Dries van Noten. Classical music and... FINE DINING The relationship between the artist-couturier and the city of Paris was always very intense. ‘Paul Poiret was born in Paris and began his career as an apprentice at several maisons on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, such as Doucet and Worth,’ explains the expert. “This street was the heart of world fashion, and where he learned the great craft of haute couture. This is where he came into contact with a cultural environment that he loved. From a young age, he was a regular at the Comédie Française, he loved watching plays at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées and the Opéra Garnier, and he enjoyed music and literature...”, explains the curator. She adds that Poiret was also a refined gourmet. “He hosted lavish dinners at his home and was a member of the Club des Cent, a select gourmet circle. He loved good food and drink so much that in 1927 he published a book with recipes from his chef friends, a work also featured in this exceptional Parisian exhibition. © Ullstein Bild vía Getty Images El diseñador desayunando en su cama con su esposa en 1932. // The designer having breakfast in bed with his wife in 1932.