#25. The Enduring Vintage Pauline Trigère Ensembles in a Parisian Photo Shoot

Pauline Trigere photo shoot

While traveling in Europe, I had a series of fashion photo shoots showcasing vintage Pauline Trigère garments.

Being a fashion designer, I have researched and followed numerous designers whom I regard as masters. One of them was Albert Elbaz.

Elbaz began his career in New York City as a designer at Geoffrey Beene, then moved on to Paris where he held Design Director roles at Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, and ultimately at AZ Factory. Elbaz's unexpected death during the COVID pandemic stunned the industry, and the fashion world collectively mourned the loss of this iconic designer. After the pandemic, a tribute fashion exhibition with custom creations from prominent designers of today was coordinated to celebrate his legacy.

I traveled to Paris to visit this tribute exhibition. During the trip, I took the opportunity to highlight some of my Trigère collection I have assembled during my research journey. These classic silhouettes, made from high-quality materials, remain relevant through the years. It is a tribute to Trigère's belief that invest more in quality garments ultimately saves money in the long run.

For the guerilla photo shoots in Paris, I enlisted my "Insta-boyfriend" as my photographer and we took to the streets! Our journey venture to Alber Elbaz's "Love Brings Love" Exhibition at the Palais Galleria, with stops along Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysses along the way, walking the street filled with memories of when I lived in Paris for two summers.

At the first session, I wore a yellow wool dress with vibrant large floral appliques in shades of red, yellow, and green. This ensemble, acquired from a vintage store initially for the purpose to preserve Pauline Trigère's archive collection, marks a departure from my usual wardrobe choices. It is by far the brightest piece in my closet, especially for someone living for over two decades in NYC. The yellow hue of the flowers perfectly complemented the dress. The cheerful color and print pushed me out of my comfort zone. Putting on this outfit instantly lifts my spirits! I believe both Alber and Ms. Trigère both would have approved it!

For the second session in Paris, I wore a dark navy Trigère silk dress. I used the wide sash belt as a decorating ribbon around the crown of a large raffia hat to complete the ensembe. The dress has ivory lines that resemble dancing calligraphy, and the box pleating at the hem adds movement as I stroll along the Seine. The dress is fully lined with silk chiffon and the cuffs have zippers at the openings. Completing the ensemble, I accessorized with Mikimoto pearl necklaces and Jade Chiu's signature Phoenix ring. The look was finalized with Brunello Cucinelli sling backs featuring kitty heels with monelli bead trimmings.

During the third session, I wore a red wool jersey dress for the train ride from Paris to London and for visit to the Picasso Museum. For more photos about this red wool dress and the Picasso Museum, check-out my Instagram videoblog post . All of these ensembles are over 50 years old and they remain as timeless today as the day they were originally created.