Details

Name

Merlot-Larchevêque

Brief Biography

fl. 1855 - 1885, French

Occupation

Dressmaker

Description

Merlot-Larchevêque was a dressmakers founded at 49 Champs-Elysées, Paris by 1855. In 1864 it relocated to 21 Boulevard des Capucines. An advertisement placed in the American magazine Godey's Lady's Book in February 1867 provides an evocative description of the premises, 'We enter the inner sanctum of Mme. Merlot Larchevêque, and see tissues of the most exquisite hues, of the richest textiles, and in an unprecedented variety, thrown round in the greatest profusion'. By the late 1870s it was at 23 Boulevard des Capucines. French newspaper, Le Figaro, reported on 23 April 1880 that Princess Frederica of Hanover (1848-1926), who was marrying Baron Alfons von Pawel-Rammingen (1843-1932) the following day at Windsor, was to wear 'a true masterpiece' by Merlot-Larchevêque for her wedding dress. During 1883-84 Merlot-Larchevêque was listed in Le Figaro under 'Robes et Manteaux'. The last listing found for the establishment is in Le Courrier de Londres, 21 November 1885.