A Doucet lilac satin afternoon dress, circa 1900, with gold on ivory woven label to the waist '21 Rue de la Paix' numbered 6806, the S-form bodice with high neck, the bodice infilled with pleated turquoise velvet panel, the sleeves and skirt with ivory velvet strapwork and ecru guipure spangled with sequins, goffered chiffon flounce to hem, bust approx 92cm, 36in, waist 71cm, 28in (2)

Taffeta lining has shattered in bodice and skirt. Faint perspiration stains at underarms but barely visible. Colours are good and the combination of colours is delightful. Approx 1cm x 2cm brown stain to rear of bodice, small bleach speckles in lilac satin around waist area but not immediately noticeable. 2 barely visible small stains to turquoise velvet above waist, seams have been slightly let out just at inside elbow area approx. graduated 1cm. Speckling of small black ink(?) spots on centre front chest but not immediately noticeable. Prestuds later added to fasten. Tulle rosette at rear neck closure is disintegrating. Lining side seams have been let out from waist to below bust, graduated from 2cm. New taffeta panel added to waistband lining. The purple bodice itself does not appear to have alterations to match. Plain silk neckband has split at the edge. The skirt has approx. 3 pale beige spot stains down the front each approx 1cm diam, a few smaller scattered spots and marks on the front but these are not immediately noticeable. Large prestud fasteners have been added to rear closure. Original waistband with pencilled no. 6806. Centre front seam and side seams taken in approx. 1cm but goes to original seam line above hem ruffle. Waist widened by approx. 5cm, 2in, by extending the rear closure gathers onto a tape. Rear of skirt has 2 rust spots approx. 1 x 2cm. 2 pinkish brown stains centre back – oval one 8x5cm (tiny surface split at side of this one), irregular one approx. 11x12cm. Edging and passementerie are generally good and fresh in appearance. Goffered chiffon to hem is generally good. Skirt waist is 28in, 71cm. Rear waist gathers slightly loosened/let out to widen the waist.