Jeanne Paquin, Été 1898. 'Frou-Frou'. Pale yellow day dress with a small floral sprig print, the bodice with a high necked lace yoke with deep frills accented with a large pink bow, and lace engageante flounces at the sleeves. Design for a town dress.

'Frou-Frou'. Pale yellow day dress with a small floral sprig print, the bodice with a high necked lace yoke with deep frills accented with a large pink bow, and lace engageante flounces at the sleeves. One of a group of 53 fashion designs bound in a volume of Paquin designs for town wear for Summer 1897. Most in pen and ink with touches of watercolour, some with names, details, and fabric swatches attached.

Given by the House of Worth

Fashion notes: The term 'frou-frou' became a popular term for the Edwardian era, describing the elaborately trimmed, delicately ornamented toilettes of the most fashionable women of the period. This very charming summer day dress from 1898, made from a light, breezy yellow fabric with a delicate flower sprig print, its bodice lavishly trimmed with lace and a large pink bow, is an early example of a dress bearing the name 'frou-frou', and compared to some of the designs that were to come in the very early 20th century, is relatively demure and understated.

- Daniel Milford-Cottam, Feb 2012.

E.121-1957