Jacques Doucet (1853-1929), member of the third generation of the Doucet family, had a huge influence on Maison Doucet. The family had had a good reputation in the realm of underwear, lace and linen since 1816, but Jacques Doucet managed to transform the salon into a generally respected couture house at the tender age of eighteen. At the turn of the century the house was on a par with Worth and created ensembles for well-known actresses such as Sarah Bernhardt and ladies of the elite. This luxurious evening coat is also a 'collection', a combination of deep blue velvet and cream coloured guipure lace. Monsieur Jacques, as he was known by his clientele, had a preference for luxurious style. Jacques Doucet was inspired by, amongst other things, eighteenth century dresses from the paintings of Watteau and Fragonard; visual arts being his second love. Doucet owned an impressive art collection, from eighteenth century paintings and furniture to modern works, such as Pablo Picasso's Demoiselles d'Avignon.