Suit (Habit à la française)
(1780s)
Medium
silk (faille, thread), linen and metal (fastenings)
Measurements
(a) 104.0 cm (centre back) 66.0 cm (sleevle length) (coat)
(b) 64.0 cm (centre back) 34.0 cm (waist, flat) (waistcoat)
(c) 34.0 cm (waist, flat) 63.5 cm (outer leg) (breeches)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2024
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This lavishly embroidered silk suit is known as a habit a la française. The height of fashion in mid to late eighteenth century France, it was favoured as court or formal dress. These suits comprised a matching frock coat and breeches, and a waistcoat in contrasting fabric. Crowned by a small stand collar, the linear cut elongated the torso. Decorative embroidery also characterised the habit, and men’s suits featuring profusions of floral sprigs were standard. Both men’s and women’s costumes were decorated with small blooms, sprigs, buds and leaves in the late Rococo period, reflecting the widespread interest in botany.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
France
Accession Number
2024.1063.a-c
Department
International Fashion and Textiles