A man of many talents, Jacques Doucet was more than a couturier.
His discerning eye and curious mind placed him at the heart of Paris’s cultural scene, befriending the avant garde while dressing the most iconic women of his time - Sarah Bernhardt, Cécile Sorel, Eleonora Duse, Carrie Astor, Consuelo Vanderbilt, and Edith Wharton.
At his peak, it was said
“He creates fashions for his nostalgic customers that evoke the grace of the 18th century... He is the interpreter of a concept of femininity that is fragile, fluid and infinitely sophisticated.”
A visionary patron of the arts, Doucet was among the first to acquire works by Picasso (Les Demoiselles d’Avignon in 1924), Klee, and Duchamp. He supported Eileen Gray and moved in Surrealist circles with Breton and Aragon.
Following a heartbreak, he sold his legendary collection of rare books, furniture, and art—an auction that drew international collectors. With the proceeds, he built a bold new collection reflecting the spirit of his time.
Doucet died in 1929, but his legacy lives on, inspiring icons like Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, and Karl Lagerfeld.
“I knew I had found
a kindred spirit...”
Given my background, the cultural and aesthetic values I champion through Invisible Collection, it’s only natural that I am a great admirer of Jacques Doucet. His culture, his curiosity, and his discerning eye have inspired legions!
Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, The Invisible Collection
“Here is a man who sailed through the Belle Époque and the Gilded Age, building an extraordinary collection that included rare antiques from
the French 18th century-an era that resonates deeply with me-and masterpieces from figures
such as Fragonard and the most precious collection of 18th century furniture. ”
“And yet, when he was older—at a time when most would retire to bask in the glory of their acquisitions—he made a radical choice. He sold his entire collection and turned his attention to modern art, acquiring one of Picasso’s most significant paintings, supporting the avant-garde designs of Eileen Gray, and building the most comprehensive library of rare art books of his time.
He is my hero! This transition is reminiscent of another visionary collector, Nissim de Camondo, who also surrounded himself with exquisite French art and culture. Their shared passion for blending the classic with
the contemporary continues to inspire generations of aesthetes and curators.”
Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, The Invisible Collection
