Maison Paquin Kiosk
Object/Work Type
Exhibition Kiosks
Title Text
Maison Paquin Kiosk
Creation Date
1910-1911
Material Color
White (Color), Green (Color)
Descriptive Note Text
This kiosk was devoted to the Maison de Couture Paquin, which was opened in 1891 by Jeanne and Isidore Paquin in Paris. Jeanne was in charge of design, while Isidore ran the business. Jeanne favored strong colors, making red and black her signature colors. Her maison quickly became a commercial success, and in 1896 she opened the London branch of The House of Paquin, then expanding further to Buenos Aires and Madrid and, later, New York City. Jeanne had a leading role in the organization of the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900 as the president of the Fashion Section. Her designs were prominetly displayed at at the Exhibition, and Jeanne created a mannequin of herself. In 1913, Jeanne was awarded France's Legion d’Honneur. She was the first woman designer to receive the honor.
The kiosk was located in the gardens of the French section, between the Monumental Bridge and the Medieval Castle. The kiosk evoked classical forms and was defined a "Pagan temple devoted to elegance and good taste" (La Stampa, May 22, 1911). It was graced by a frieze displaying silhouetted depictions of women, in black-and-white on a green background, holding wreaths and other symbols of abundance. The classical frieze was created by Parisian artist André Édouard Marty. A nude female statue, holding a mirror, was placed under the peristyle of the kiosk. Named "Chryseis" from the young maiden in the Iliad, it was attributed to French sculptor André-Louis-Adolphe Laoust.
Upon entering the kiosk, fairgoers could admire a diorama presenting an aristocratic get-together. Wax mannequins exhibited the sumptuous dresses that Madame Paquin created for the occasion. The diorama's background was created by painter and fashion illustrator Félix Fournery. Precious ceramic vases by André Metthey and elegant pieces of furniture completed the scene.
Code in the 1911 Map
SIM a 103? (12 French Map)
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