Fan

In 1911 Paul Poiret expanded his fashion business to include two additional houses: Parfums de Rosine, dedicated to fragrances, and Atelier Martine, a school and showroom for the decorative arts. Through these interconnected endeavors, the designer promoted a harmonious vision of lifestyle, not unlike the Wiener Werkstätte’s conception of the Gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art.

Georges Lepape’s illustration for this paper hand fan demonstrates a savvy union of marketing interests. Though the clothing and interior depicted on the front are products of Poiret’s fashion and furnishing lines, the back advertises a range of Rosine fragrances that were introduced between 1911 and 1919. A small sticker identifies “Mea Culpa” as the scent chosen to perfume this promotional item.