Court Frockcoat and waistcoat from the Louis XVI period, modified later in 1880s

Circa 1780-1880
France

Court suit and waistcoat from the Louis XVI period, altered and feminised around 1880 for an Amazon or a Transvestite Ball. Waisted or Frac suit in chased velvet with fine duck-blue, yellow ochre and Caca d'oie stripes and very rich polychrome silk embroidery. Complete with 27 embroidered buttons on the front, cuffs, flap pockets and slit tail. The waist has been modified with an inner belt to increase the clearance of the garment, creating a petticoat behind for a turn-up or pouff cage skirt. Cream crepe pleats and falbalas on the modified collar and cuffs date from the late 19th century. The pale pink taffeta inner lining was changed in the 20th century because this garment was used for the Venice Carnival in the 1980s. The waistcoat, on the other hand, is made of cream gros de Tours, densely embroidered and sequined with foil, and has not been altered since the 18th century. The lacing tab at the back in cream cotton is also original (small tear under the armpits). Attached to this sale is a  breaches made in Yves Saint Laurent's atelier in the 1980s for the Venice Carnival. I don't think it's possible to restore this garment to its original state, as I haven't been able to check the seams under the lining. What's more, it's interesting to see the different 'lives' of this set, which has survived the centuries. The frockcoat is in excellent condition. 

Dimensions: French size 36. Suit: shoulders 32 cm, chest 74 cm, waist 70 cm, sleeves 61 cm, height 106 cm. Waistcoat: shoulders 36 cm, waist 81 cm, chest 90 cm, height 67 cm.