Just Dandy

The Ultimate Dandies, by Karl Lagerfeld for Numero

August 1989. ‘It takes a bit of confidence to be a dandy. And a sure touch for mixing prints – the more eccentric, the better.’

Man’s Suit (habit à la française) 

c. 1770-1780s-France

Material: Set of coat, waistcoat, and breeches of pale blue striped silk taffeta with woven floral trim; sleeve ruffles in needlepoint lace. 

This suit is characterized by elegant embroidery and pale, pastel tones said to be the colors of the Rococo Period.
The luxurious outfit that men from the 18th century nobility would wear, the “habit à la française”, is composed of a coat, waistcoat, and breeches. It also included a pair of silk stockings, a jabot, a linen or cotton shirt with decorative cuffs, and a cravat (a neckcloth). Men’s suits transformed to a more functional style in the last half of the eighteenth century. Overall the coat became tight-fitting, the length of the waistcoat became short, the waistcoat’s sleeves were removed, and the hem was cut horizontally.