Paul Poiret: The Man Who Introduced the Turban

We recently visited the exhibition “Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête” at MAD Paris, a major retrospective dedicated to one of the most influential couturiers of the early 20th century. Often regarded as the first modern designer, Poiret played a defining role in shaping fashion between the Belle Époque and the Roaring Twenties.

He is remembered above all for his radical vision: liberating women from the corset, introducing flowing silhouettes, and embracing bold colors, exotic prints, and luxurious fabrics. Beyond fashion, Poiret conceived of style as a total work of art. His creativity extended into the decorative arts, interior design, fragrance, celebrations, and even gastronomy transforming couture into a complete cultural experience.

The exhibition brings this vast universe to life through more than 550 works, including clothing, accessories, paintings, and decorative objects. Together, they reveal the breadth of Poiret’s creative genius and his lasting influence on fashion.

One of the exhibition’s highlights is Poiret’s role in introducing the turban into women’s wardrobes. At once exotic, daring, and elegant, the turban became a striking symbol of modernity, adding mystery and allure to a woman’s silhouette. This gesture exemplifies Poiret’s ability to anticipate new forms of style and make them resonate far beyond their time.

His legacy has endured for over a century, inspiring designers from Christian Dior in 1948 to contemporary talents . The exhibition demonstrates how Poiret’s ideas continue to shape the way fashion is conceived not merely as clothing, but as a celebration of freedom, beauty, and creativity.

Visiting this exhibition offered not only a historical perspective on Poiret’s work but also a reminder of the enduring power of innovation and vision in fashion.