Jean Patou Haute Couture Three-Piece Ensemble, c.1968

When couturier Jean Patou (1887-1936) died, he left behind a fashion house and legacy credited with revolutionizing luxury sportswear for men and women. This ensemble was created during a transitional period at the house of Patou, after Karl Lagerfeld’s (1933-2019) tenure ended in 1963, and before a young Jean Paul Gaultier (b. 1952) joined the design team in 1972. The creative director during these years was Michel Goma (1932-2022), a young designer credited with bringing a youthful vigor to the label, and who was concerned with creating an enduring reputation: “I believe I am still a child in the haute couture. I know that I am a darling – and much loved – but I am a little sensitive about being considered just a commercial success,” Goma confessed in 1966. Even in the absence of its founder, the house’s reputation was one of exacting standards in the spirit of old-world haute couture, the quality which drew in Gaultier, combined with Goma's youthful energy, Patou’s house attracted a distinguished clientele, including Mrs. Claude Arpels and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Cream woven lattice jacket embellished with white plastic square "sequins" with large rhinestones sewn into the center of each square, notched lapel, and open front; paired with matching crop top with front keyhole cut out and side cut outs, trimmed with the same embellishment as the jacket, and hook and eye back closures, with matching pleated pants, also trimmed with the same white squares and rhinestones.
Label: Jean Patou
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: Unlabeled (See images for detail of label)

Approximate Measurements:
JACKET
Shoulder: 15"
Chest: 37"
Waist: 40.5"
Hips: 47.75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 55"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 30.25"

TOP
Shoulder: 15"
Chest: 26.25"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 14.25"

PANTS
Waist: 26.25"
Hips: 34"
Length (side waist band to hem): 38.25"
Inseam: 29.25"