#21. Absolute Vodka, Absolute Trigère

Absolute Vodka ad featuring a dress designed by House of Trigère. Below sketches are by Pauline's long-time associate Lucie Porges.

While reviewing the numerous boxes that Pauline Trigère’s closest collaborator and assistant Lucie Porges gifted to Parson School of Design archives in NYC, I came across an interesting photo of the collaboration of the House of Trigere with Absolute Vodka. The photo is an ad titled “Absolute Trigere” featuring a model in a black evening dress with a deep V-plunge neckline adorned with “Absolute Vodka” in rhinestone crystals. Accompanied by Trigère’s words, the ad states: “Fashion to me must always be in style and wearable - today, tomorrow and yesterday. I have tried to follow that principle for many years.”

Here are four original pencil sketches from Pauline's long time associate Lucie Porges showing various versions of the gown. A inside look at the creative process before one was finally chosen for the Absolute Vodka campaign. Trigère also had collaborations with Rolex watches, cosmetic brands Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein, kitchen appliances Kenmore, automobiles such as Lincoln Continental and Mercury Cougar. These are just a few of the name brands that tried to rub off a little of the Trigere fashion mystique to help their marketing and sales.

A nice little surprise was another photo of a modern version of the Absolute Vodka garment designed by Zang Toi. This one is a completely different style reflecting the whimsical personality of designer Toi. Designer Toi makes personal appearance regularly as part of his seasonal trunk shows and I will be sure to ask him about the ad the next time I see him, stay tuned!