Jean Patou Accomplishments
The most elegant man in Europe, many called him, gave the fashion community a whole different look on sportswear and fragrances. His role in twentieth century fashion was very important: he transformed from selling designs from a small dressmaking store in Paris to designing for many celebrities as well as creating one of the most expensive perfumes known today. These are some brief reasons why Jean Patou is considered one of the most powerful and influencing figures from twentieth century fashion. Patou inherited strong entrepreneur traits from his father and was not afraid to take risks, both setting him up for success by the age of twenty-two. Jean Patou was born in August of 1880 in Normandy, France. His father worked closely with leather
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Throughout this year Jean will show off his expertise as a colorist, create his sportswear lines, join Le Chambre Syndical, and put out his first fragrances. During the early 1920’s is when Chanel and Patou also began their rivalry. “Patou’s early 1920s garments, like those of his archrival Chanel, were embellished with colorful folkloric Russian embroidery. His bell-skirted, high waisted evening dresses … were delicately embroidered, or embellished with fine lace, which he felt was more youthful than heavy lace” ( ). After putting out the colorful folkloric designs, as spring and summer of 1922 rolled around Patou let his expertise with color shine. He incorporated the color beige into his new collection, and people fell in love. One of his finest beige designs was described as, “A gown of beige kasha cloth featuring a deep V-neck that was emphasized by a lingerie-style collar, while beige chiffon was combined with kasha to form pleated side panels and full undersleeves that were finished with a tight cuff” (). Patou also created a beige jersey during this time that will later influence some of Chanel’s later designs. After the beige trend, Patou created new designs that were influenced by the fine arts. Each design would incorporate geometric shapes that incorporated colors from Picasso paintings. These designs would be shown in Vogue multiple times throughout the year. The early 1920’s was a great year for
Throughout this year Jean will show off his expertise as a colorist, create his sportswear lines, join Le Chambre Syndical, and put out his first fragrances. During the early 1920’s is when Chanel and Patou also began their rivalry. “Patou’s early 1920s garments, like those of his archrival Chanel, were embellished with colorful folkloric Russian embroidery. His bell-skirted, high waisted evening dresses … were delicately embroidered, or embellished with fine lace, which he felt was more youthful than heavy lace” ( ). After putting out the colorful folkloric designs, as spring and summer of 1922 rolled around Patou let his expertise with color shine. He incorporated the color beige into his new collection, and people fell in love. One of his finest beige designs was described as, “A gown of beige kasha cloth featuring a deep V-neck that was emphasized by a lingerie-style collar, while beige chiffon was combined with kasha to form pleated side panels and full undersleeves that were finished with a tight cuff” (). Patou also created a beige jersey during this time that will later influence some of Chanel’s later designs. After the beige trend, Patou created new designs that were influenced by the fine arts. Each design would incorporate geometric shapes that incorporated colors from Picasso paintings. These designs would be shown in Vogue multiple times throughout the year. The early 1920’s was a great year for