Designer: Paul Poiret

During 1910s, Paul Poiret created a lot of garment that changed people’s idea of shaping women’s body. He abandoned the corset, changed sleeves, freed women’s body in a different way, which is shown in the image as the model, Gimbel was wearing a evening gown dress, but with the loosen sleeves. This photograph was taken on March 1914 but according to the headdress from the image, it remind people about the party that Poiret thrown on June 24, 1911, “Thousand and Second Night” in Paris. This party was held based on the story of “One Thousand and One Nights”

“Issey Miyake staircase dress”

(1994) by Irving Penn.

On display at Issey Miyake

Making Things, Foundation

Cartier pour l’art

contemporain (Paris, 1998)

In 1980s, a new generation of Japanese designers became key players in the international fashion arena. Issey Miyake is one of those avant-garde designers who challenge traditional western fashion by introducing a new type of creativity, something that Europe didn’t have. As a radical, visionary designer, Issey Miyake has been dubbed “The Picasso of Fashion.” His creativeness, unique aesthetics, attention to technique, and contribution to the fashion world demonstrate how he is able to be a successful cross-cultural designer.