Dec. 15(Sun), 2019 – Apr. 5(Sun), 2020

Exhibition room 4

In cooperation with POLA Research Institute of Beauty & Culture

In early 20th century Paris, Paul Poiret (1879 – 1944) introduced his Parfums de Rosine perfume brand at his high fashion house Maison Haute Couture in 1911. Perfume, in addition to dresses and accessories, thus began to play an important role in the articulation of the image of high fashion. The different fashion houses placed great attention on the appearance of their perfume bottles, sometimes engaging artists to create the bottle designs.

This exhibition introduces perfume bottles, many created by artists, that express the outlook of the haute couture houses. Included are perfumes as fashion by Charles-Frederick Worth (1825-1895) who is credited with laying the foundation of haute couture, Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) who incorporated expressions of Surrealism, and driving force of post-war fashion Christian Dior (1905-1957).

The perfume industry in the 20th century grew with the introduction of synthetic fragrances. Both well-established perfume producers and emerging cosmetic manufacturers commissioned artist designs to present new perfumes packaged in distinctive bottles. The perfume bottles of this period demonstrate the collaboration of fashion and perfume bottle design.