In Western Europe, embroidery and floral motifs adorn mainly female clothing. But around 1775, wealthy gentlemen also liked to dress up in coats featuring floral and leaf motifs. Beneath these, they often wore silk waistcoats such as this one, with colourful embroidery on the front panels, sleeves and a stand-up collar. After the French Revolution in 1789, fashion in Western Europe became more subdued, with sober colours and materials.

[text 2026]