Afternoon suit

Mme. Jeanne Paquin|House of Paquin

1906–8 · silk, wool · Costume Institute

This dress highlights Paquin's technique to create interesting light and textural effects. Four kinds of decorative materials- box-pleated ruching, silk-wound beads, point d'esprit and patterned net lace - each with its own reflective textural quality, are combined on the bodice towards this end. The ruching contributes light and shadow, whereas the silk-wound beads, attached only at one end for maximum protrusion, add a contrasting shape and a glittering effect. The lace and point d'esprit add further textural elements.

Artist

Mme. Jeanne Paquin|House of Paquin

Date

1906–8

Medium

silk, wool

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 Mrs. Robert G. Olmsted and Constable MacCracken, 1969