Tea gown

Jacques Doucet

ca. 1907 · silk, 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. Worn while entertaining at home, teagowns express explicit femininity and represent a life of luxury. The lace of this teagown is of particular interest because of its overall design of interlinked flowers and scrolls. The high concentration of lace at the bodice adds visual interest as well as draws attention to the wearer's face. It is apparent that the silhouette of the dress makes historical references in the open robe effect of the lace overskirt and the Renaissance shirred sleeves. The combination of fine materials and historical characteristics create an air of romantic fantasy.

Artist

Jacques Doucet

Date

ca. 1907

Medium

silk, 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 Rodman A. Heeren, 1959