Evening dress

Jacques Doucet

ca. 1910 · silk, fur, linen · Costume Institute

Jacques Doucet was first, and foremost, a connoisseur of art. Additionally, his passion for the refined and exquisite overflowed into his dealings with fashion, making him one of the finest French couturiers during the Belle Époque. The House of Doucet began as a family business, specializing in women's lingerie and laces, as well as articles of clothing for men. Founded in 1817, the company rose to fame under the hand of Jacques. The house was known for its luxurious offerings, which were worn and coveted by royalty, members of the elite society in both Europe and America, and actresses of the stage. This evening dress is the epitome of Belle Époque lavishness. The combination of such fine materials adds interest and increases its luxuriousness. The columnar shape of the dress marks the beginning of the new, narrow silhouette. Made by one of the great couturiers, and possibly worn by one of New York's finest, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson, this dress is the perfect personification of such an opulent era.

Artist

Jacques Doucet

Date

ca. 1910

Medium

silk, fur, linen

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Orme and R. Thornton Wilson in memory of Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson, 1949