Amazon or Fancy costume by Maison Beer in the 18th century style – Paris C.1905

Jacket with integrated waistcoat for an Amazon or for transvestism in the taste of the 18th century, designed by the famous Haute Couture House Gustave Beer during the Belle Epoque. Marquis’ suit, officer’s collar, long sleeves with musketeer cuffs, in violet velvet densely embroidered with blades and silver thread. Complete with crenellated pockets and matching buttons, this suit opens onto two sides of an 18th century waistcoat in cream silk satin embroidered with silk, cannetilles and silver paillons. The waistcoat is fastened with hooks. A ruché of black satin ribbons decorates the front and pockets. The cream silk satin lining is partially incomplete due to the iron-laden, chemically perishable silks of the period. The numbered label 5394 (?) indicates Beer, 7 place Vendôme Paris, 31 Sachville Street London. Apart from the damaged lining, the velvet is in very good structural condition, as is the preserved glitter of the embroidery and silver buttons. A rare fashion collector’s item.

Dimensions: Equivalent to size 44 France. Shoulders 38 cm, chest 102 cm, waist 94 cm, hips 125 cm, sleeves 71 cm, height 81 cm, circumference of the bottom of the suit 124 cm.

Gustave Beer (1855-1908) was a famous fashion house based in Paris and London during the belle époque. In 1886, Gustave Beer opened his first company specialising in fine lingerie on Boulevard Poissonnière. In 1893, he moved his boutique to 4 Place de l’Opéra. In 1900 he moved to 7 Place Vendôme, in the former Hôtel Lebas de Montargis, becoming the first fashion house to set up shop in this district. From this time onwards, he was renowned as one of the great Parisian fashion houses, and his dresses were acclaimed by the specialist press. By 1908, Beer had more than 200 employees and several sumptuously furnished salons in the style of the 18th century. He died in August 1908 at his estate, the Château saint-Léger in Saint Germain en Laye. Beer was very active after the war, often appearing in Vogue magazine and the Gazette du bon ton. In 1928, under the impetus of businessman Georges Aubert, it merged with Drecoll, and the brand disappeared in the 1930s.