Antique-Gown

Two-piece men's suit (habit à la française) consisting of habit and gilet. Origin: France. The suit is courtly attire currently worn by King Louis XVI (1774-1792).

The jacket (habit) of the men's suit is made of turquoise/sky blue silk. Small stand-up collar. 26 large decorative buttons made of silver threads (in rosette decoration). Finest embroidery in cannetille and silver threads, in floral and tendril motif reminiscent of flowering branches. Three buttons are "hidden" under each of the large pockets. They are a fashionable element of men's suits of this period. Well preserved. One larger stain in the neck area. Underarm stains and repair spots in the underarm area. A few stains in the silk.

The vest (gilet) of the men's suit is made of cream silk. Similar motif, in the same technique. 17 small decorative buttons. There are also three buttons "hidden" under each of the pockets of the vest. Moderately well preserved. The back of the vest is missing. It can be easily and quickly fixed with a linen fabric. Underarm stains. Discreet stains in the silk.

All in all: a beautiful ensemble that glistened in the candlelight at the French court in 1780. We would have loved to include it in our private collection, alone we lack the space. The decoration is not included.