A man of many talents, Doucet was more than a couturier. His artful eye and
curious mind placed him at the very center of the Parisian cultural scene, befriending the avant-gardes while dressing the most notable women of his time. In his fashion house, the likes of Sarah Bernhardt, Cécile Sorel, Eleonora Duse, Carrie Astor, Consuelo Vanderbilt and Edith Wharton came to order gowns and sparkling negligees. At the peak of his career, it was said about him “he creates fashions for his nostalgic customers that evoked the grace of the 18th century. He is not, strictly speaking, the inventor of a dress form or garment, but he is the interpreter of a concept of femininity that is fragile, fluid and infinitely sophisticated.” A true patron of the arts, he was among the first to purchase works by Picasso, - he acquired Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in 1924 - Klee, and Duchamp. He supported Eileen Gray and enjoyed the company of Surrealist poets such as Breton and Aragon. Doucet collected the most diverse and rare books, furniture pieces, and objects. Rumor has it that a heartbreak led him to part with his renowned collection of artworks and books. The auction was a sensation, drawing collectors from all over the world—particularly wealthy Americans who outbid Europeans to acquire Dutch masterpieces as well as rare antiques. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Doucet used the proceeds from that record-breaking sale to support the avant-gardes, building yet another extraordinary collection that reflected the spirit of his time. He died in 1929, but his legacy endured, inspiring aesthetes like Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, and Karl Lagerfeld, all of whom were deeply impressed by Doucet’s genius, lifestyle, and taste.

“Years ago, I would casually mention the name Jacques Doucet in conversation, and if I detected a sparkle of recognition from the person I was speaking with, I knew I had found a kindred spirit... Jokes aside, 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! 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