Tea gown
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 It is apparent that the silhouette of the dress makes historical references in the open robe effect of the lace overskirt and the Renaissance shirred sleeves.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.
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 It is apparent that the silhouette of the dress makes historical references in the open robe effect of the lace overskirt and the Renaissance shirred sleeves.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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Tea gown
- Designer: Jacques Doucet (French, Paris 1853–1929 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1907
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk, linen
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Rodman A. Heeren, 1959
- Object Number: 2009.300.3196
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Jacques Doucet
1900–1903
Jacques Doucet
fall/winter 1902
Jacques Doucet
1900–1905
Jacques Doucet
fall/winter 1904
Jacques Doucet
ca. 1905
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.