This dramatic design shows a theatre costume, designed either for ballet or opera. While it closely resembles an evening dress of the period, the calf-length lace overskirt would have been considered far too short to be acceptable outside a theatrical context. It could also have been specially designed for a fancy dress ball. It would not be until the First World War that fashionable women's skirts rose significantly above ankle length.The gold-embroidered net lace and deep pink silk with blue silk cape and gold-laced sandals show the vibrant colours inspired by the Ballets Russes that were popular at the time.

The pencil inscription 'Bruxelles' is found in the top right hand corner of the design. A number of Paquin designs from this period have either Bruxelles (for Brussels) which may indicate that they were created specially for clients in Belgium, or intended to be exhibited in Brussels.