Rediscovered

Life in Paris during the Belle Epoque saw the buttoned-up 19th century step aside for a more carefree Modernism. Forward-thinking and well-connected fashion designer Paul Poiret seized the moment. The self-appointed King of Fashion, who started his career at Paris’ House of Worth, discarded the corset in 1906 for loose, flowing shapes, including Empire-waist dresses and Middle Eastern caftans. His clothes received a rapturous reception.

In 2005, 61 years after his death, Poiret’s estate sold roughly 500 pieces to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The result is “Poiret: King of Fashion,” which runs at the Met’s Costume Institute until Aug. 5. Fifty ensembles showcase Poiret’s eclectic exoticism. Harem pants worn by his wife, Denise, at his legendary Arabian-themed Thousand and Second Night party in 1911 are displayed with the Hellenic evening gown worn by dancer Isadora Duncan to his Bacchus party in 1912. Denise, whose lithe body was perfect for his creations, was his muse. The couple divorced in 1928, but she had the foresight to stow away the treasures in her wardrobe. In pristine condition, they premiered at an event as sought after as one of Poiret’s parties. www.metmuseum.org