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Afternoon dress

Designer Jacques Doucet French
ca. 1903
Not on view
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.

Possibly worn by one of New York's finest, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson, this afternoon dress is a perfect example of couture during this period. The sheer pink fabric, accented with lace and black and pink ribbon trim, is a dress to be displayed at garden parties and the races. Doucet added interest to his work with his use of unusual trims, illustrating his inventiveness and artistic taste.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Afternoon dress
  • Designer: Jacques Doucet (French, Paris 1853–1929 Paris)
  • Date: ca. 1903
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: cotton, silk
  • 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
  • Object Number: 2009.300.1153a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

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Afternoon dress, Jacques Doucet French, silk, linen, rhinestones, French
Afternoon dress
Jacques Doucet
1900–1903
Evening coat, Jacques Doucet French, wool, fur, silk, French
Evening coat
Jacques Doucet
fall/winter 1902
Evening cape, Jacques Doucet French, wool, silk, rhinestones, French
Evening cape
Jacques Doucet
1900–1905
Afternoon suit, Jacques Doucet French, silk, French
Afternoon suit
Jacques Doucet
fall/winter 1904
Afternoon jacket, Jacques Doucet French, silk, cotton, metal, wood, French
Afternoon jacket
Jacques Doucet
ca. 1905

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