Evening suit 1895 - 1899

This evening suit was designed by the House of Paquin. The ensemble commands attention through its bold interplay of form and texture. Deep black velvet serves as a dramatic canvas for the sinuous, swirling patterns appliquéd in a vibrant lilac hue. Notice how the curvilinear motifs, cascade across the jacket and skirt, creating a dynamic tension between the garment's structure and its surface ornamentation. The stark contrast of the velvet against the smooth curves of the lilac shapes challenges conventional notions of surface and depth. The rigid tailoring of the jacket juxtaposes against the fluidity of the skirt, complicating the traditional understanding of clothing as a static form. This interplay challenges the viewer to reconsider the potential for garments to embody movement. Here, Paquin invites us to consider how clothing can be understood not merely as a covering, but as a complex interplay of shape, pattern, and material.