Kimono-style housecoat

This sophisticated Kimono-style housecoat was part of Donna Franca

Florio’s wardrobe. It is made of blue padded foulard silk edged with midnight blue velvet adorned with satin stitch silk and chenille embroidery and applied silk trim. The majestic embroidery combines a host of different decorative sources, ranging from heraldry to rocaille leaves and ecclesiastical vestments, orchestrated to reflect the taste of the Belle Époque.

The lining is in light blue satin and the hems are trapezoid in section with long vents at the side.

Founded by the family in 1817, the Doucet fashion house achieved fame and prestige in both Europe and America thanks to Jacques Doucet. Over a career lasting fifty years, Jacques produced thousands of gowns, dresses and theatrical costumes that were to make him one of the fathers of French fashion. His atelier in rue de la Paix became a meeting place for the Paris elite, allowing Jacques to study the tastes of his clientele who would stay until well after five o’clock in the afternoon. His interior dresses and lingerie dress look became his strong points, bolstering his reputation with the most famous actresses of the day.

Donated by the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.