Paris Fashion Week: new designer Yiqin Yin relaunches Poiret

Mar 6 , 2018

A model presents a creation by designer Yiqing Yin as part of her Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Paul Poiret, during Fashion Week in Paris, France March 4, 2018. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol

Loose, fluid silhouettes dominate the runway in this incredible comeback

After an incredible 90-year hiatus, the famed house of iconic designer Paul Poiret – who freed women from corsets – has returned to the Paris runways.

It’s an incredible comeback for a design house considered to be among the most influential of the 20th century.

Models present creations by designer Yiqing Yin as part of her autumn/winter 2018/2019 women’s ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Paul Poiret during Paris Fashion Week. Photo: Reuters

Paris-born Poiret’s house collapsed in the 1920s after the tumult of the first world war changed the fashion business landscape – but his legacy lived on.

Poiret is credited with the revolutionary development of draping in a departure from traditional tailoring and pattern-making, and is closely associated with the invention of the hobble skirt and harem pants.

An eye-catching draping dress in the collection. Photo: AFP

Poiret’s relaunch is one of a number of revamped heritage houses in recent years, including Vionnet and Schiaparelli.

A bright red print draping cape-like jacket creates a sharp contrast with a blue print dress and plain short boots. It features a strong Oriental touch. Photo: Reuters

Such a grand comeback demands an equally grand display. Guests were treated to a dramatic “couture” presentation inside the historic nave of the westerly part of the former Louvre Palace.