The Many Talents of Pauline Trigère

Like her signature jewelry, Pauline Trigère was multifaceted.

Although Paris born, her reply when asked if she was French was, "No, I am American. I found in this country everything I wanted. This country made me Pauline Trigère."


Lisa Fonssagrives standing beside Pauline Trigère at base of staircase being fitted for dress
Lisa Fonssagrives in fitting with Pauline Trigère
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Trigère immigrated from Paris to America in 1937. She describes her decision to open her own fashion studio in 1942 as, "There was no drive because I wanted to become a great designer....I had two small children and a mother, and we all had to eat. That's the drive I had."

Trigère signature looks included the use of furs not only in coats but in evening wear. Her evening wear designs often featured her trademark halter dress with bare shoulders.


Pauline Trigere nude colored 1950's halter neck evening dress displayed on mannequin
Pauline Trigère 1950's Halter Neck Evening Dress
©Liveauctioneers

After achieving fashion design success, Trigère branched out into the lingerie, perfume, and jewelry market, She fashioned barrettes, pins, and brooches out of a crystallized strontium titanate medium. When properly cut her "Trigère Diamonds" looked real.


Rhinestone collection of jewelry by Pauline Trigère of turtle brooch, necklace, and earrings
Pauline Trigère Rhinestone Turtle Brooch, Necklace, and Earrings
©Liveauctioneers

Fond of the turtle motif, Trigère frequently wore a gold turtle brooch attached to her lapel. Her jewelry and scarf collections included turtle pieces.

Red Silk 1950's dress with sculptured design by Pauline Trigere displayed on dress form
Pauline Trigère Red Silk Sculptured 1950's Dress
©Liveauctioneers

Pauline Trigère: "Fashion is what people tell you to wear. Style is what comes from your own inner thing."

Read more about the fascinating Pauline Trigère HERE

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