Suit

Belle Jardinière, Paris

ca. 1900 · cotton, wool · Costume Institute

The Parisian emporium Belle Jardinière was known for providing ready-to-wear suits for customers on a budget. This practice became popular at the turn of the 20th century, blurring class lines. The well-made suit, once an easily identifiable distinction between wealthy upper-class men and those in the middle class became accessible at all levels.

Artist

Belle Jardinière, Paris

Date

ca. 1900

Medium

cotton, wool

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Designated Purchase Fund, 1983