Medium: Polychrome brocade, gold lace

Date: c. 1927

Country: France

Credit: Gift of Mrs. Katheryn Colton

While visiting the United States in 1913, Paul Poiret discovered unauthorized copies of his designs—including his label—selling for as little as $13.00. Fashion designs were not protected by copyright in the U.S., so he trademarked his label. However, despite such efforts by Poiret and others, more than two million fake couture labels had been sewn into garments by 1914.

Object Number: 74.36.27