Elegant black cape, ca. 1898, a dream made of silk, tulle (on the lower edge and sleeves), appliqués and gathered decorations. The cape comes from the famous Parisian department stores' "Au Bon Marché". The department stores' was founded in 1838 by the Videu brothers. Under the management of Aristide Boucicaut, this department stores' played a pioneering role in the development of the European retail trade (source: Wikipedia). Lined with silk on the inside. It comes from an American museum. The decoration is not included. In excellent condition. Au Bon Marché is the oldest first ever modern department store (it was founded in 1838 and revamped almost completely by Aristide Boucicaut in 1852) and the most stylish department store in Paris. For 150 years, well-to-do Parisians have been able to spend pleasant afternoons selecting various luxury items and elegant designer fashions, Oriental carpets and unusual antiques. Now the property of LVMH Luxury Group, it sells a wide range of high-end goods, including food in an adjacent building at 38, rue de Sèvres, called La Grande Épicerie de Paris.