Visiting dress

Jacques Doucet

1900–1905 · silk · 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 by a lady of society during her afternoon calls, this dress is an excellent representation of the complexity of surface decoration and lace treatment which are quintessential Belle Époque devices denoting opulence and luxury. The treatment of the velvet is exemplary, for such an advanced technique as impressed velvet would only be available to French couture houses. The jacket and bodice are quite becoming, as the blousing of the underbodice creates a bolero effect which was a prevalent style during this period.

Artist

Jacques Doucet

Date

1900–1905

Medium

silk

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, 1965