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But due to his debts, he was forced to sell his fashion house in 1924, and
in 1929, he had to leave it for good. In 1925, to participate in the Decorative
and Industrial Arts Exhibition, he had incurred enormous expenses presenting
his collections on the Seine aboard three barges.
Unfortunately, driven to financial ruin by his lavish spending, the King of
Fashion gave lectures in the United States before retiring to the south of France
and then to the Creuse region.
He sadly ended his life in Paris, completely ruined and totally forgotten. John
Galliano, Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gianni Versace, to name
just a few contemporary designers, were inspired by his orientalism and festive
spirit.
Paul Poiret invented the culotte skirt and the kimono coat. He favored high
waists and elevated the turban adorned with his inseparable aigrette to an icon.
Paul Poiret — Mosaïque Paris evening dress, circa 1908
Green silk chiffon embroidered with silk thread and pearls, gold braid and mink fur
© Les Arts Décoratifs / Christophe Dellière