Marie-Paule Nolin facts for kids

Marie-Paule Nolin (born Archambault) was a talented French Canadian high-fashion designer. She was born in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, in 1908 and passed away in Montreal in 1987. Marie-Paule Nolin was known for creating beautiful and unique clothing designs. She played a big part in the fashion world in Quebec, Canada.

Marie-Paule Nolin's Fashion Journey

Starting Her Career in Fashion

Marie-Paule Archambault began her journey in fashion as a sales assistant, also called a vendeuse. She worked for Raoul-Jean Fouré, who had opened his own fashion business in Montreal around 1927. When she was 26 years old, Marie-Paule decided to start her own dressmaking business. This business was located on what is now De Maisonneuve Boulevard.

Opening Her Own Fashion Salon

Marie-Paule gained early attention by joining a charity fashion show. This event took place at the famous Windsor Hotel in Montreal. After this, she took a trip to Paris, France. In Paris, she visited many famous fashion houses, called salons. She learned a lot from these visits.

When she returned, Marie-Paule launched her very own fashion salon. This salon opened in 1936 at 648 Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal.

Working with Holt Renfrew

From 1941 to 1949, Marie-Paule Nolin managed a special workshop for creating high-fashion clothes. This workshop was inside the Holt Renfrew department store in Montreal. A department store is a large shop that sells many different types of goods. About twenty workers helped her create her designs there. Customers could buy her unique creations from a special section called the Salon Marie-Paule.

Family Life

In 1949, Marie-Paule married Jean Nolin. They had two daughters together, named Patricia and Marie-Claire.

Leading Canadian Fashion

After her marriage, Marie-Paule worked from her home between 1949 and 1955. In 1955, she moved her business to a new office at 1426 Sherbrooke Street. Her business was known as 'Marie-Paule Haute Couture', which means 'Marie-Paule High Fashion'.

The next year, she became the President of the Association of Canadian Couturiers (ACC). This group's main goal was to help promote and support Canadian high fashion design. Other important founding members included Raoul-Jean Fouré, Colpron d'Anjou, Marcel Martel, Jacques de Montejoye, and Federica of Toronto.

Sharing Fashion Knowledge

From 1959 to 1965, Marie-Paule Nolin was part of a weekly radio show called Femina. This show was broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Montreal. On the program, she taught listeners about fashion design. She also shared information about the history and development of design.

In 1962, Marie-Paule lost many of her designs and work in a house fire. After this, she moved her business to a new location at 420 Bonsecours Street. In 1969, she tried to start a line of 'ready-to-wear' clothes. These are clothes made in standard sizes, ready to be bought and worn. However, she refused to use cheaper fabrics for these clothes. Because of this, the business did not succeed.

Retirement and Legacy

Marie-Paule Nolin retired in 1974. She closed her fashion business, which was the last high-fashion establishment in Montreal at that time.

In 1984, the McCord Museum in Montreal held a special exhibition. This show looked back at all of Marie-Paule Nolin's amazing work. The museum also has an award named after her, called the Marie-Paule Nolin Study Award. This award helps students who are researching fashion and textiles, especially those using the museum's collections.