Pauline's early years were marked by a unique blend of political turmoil and sartorial stability. Amidst the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War I, she witnessed her parents' unwavering dedication to their craft. The skills they honed as tailors, and the business acumen they demonstrated in establishing "Trigèr-Maggue," laid the groundwork for Pauline's own future in the fashion industry.
As a young girl, Pauline became intimately familiar with the intricacies of garment construction. She observed her parents' meticulous attention to detail and their ability to create high-quality, stylish pieces that were in demand. This hands-on education, coupled with her French education, would prove invaluable in her later years.
In the early 1920s, as Pauline entered her teenage years, the family business began to thrive. The post-war period saw a renewed interest in fashion and a desire for luxury, and "Trigèr-Maggue" was well-positioned to meet this demand. Pauline's older brother, Robert, played a crucial role in this success, using his sketching skills and keen eye for detail to identify popular styles and trends.
However, it was Pauline who would take this foundation to new heights. As she grew older, her interest in fashion and design deepened. She began to sketch her own designs, incorporating the skills she had learned from her parents and her knowledge of current trends. These sketches would eventually become the blueprints for her own fashion house in America.
But before that could happen, Pauline's life would take another dramatic turn. In the late 1920s, anti-Semitism began to rise once again in France. The family, who had built a successful business and a comfortable life, faced increasing discrimination and hostility. This, coupled with the rising popularity of American fashion and the allure of the American dream, led Pauline and her family to make the decision to immigrate to the United States.
And so, in the early 1930s, Pauline Trigère, still a young woman, set sail for New York City. She carried with her the skills, knowledge, and determination that she had inherited from her parents. These qualities, combined with her innate sense of style, would soon establish her as one of the greatest fashion designers of the twentieth century.