LINKER & Cie. Antique Black Velvet Walking Dress, Paris, ca. 1910

This rare two‑piece walking dress, dating to around 1910, was created by the prestigious Parisian fashion house Linker & Cie, located at 7 Rue Auber - one of the most sought‑after addresses for elegant street and evening wear in the early 20th century. Surviving garments from this salon are exceptionally scarce; in all these years, this is the first Linker dress we have held in hand. Today, Linker pieces are known primarily from museum holdings and period fashion magazines, which were filled with their advertisements. Even the dress worn by Kate Winslet in Titanic when stepping out of the car was based on a Linker pattern.

The ensemble is made of rich black velvet, decorated with ornamental trimmings and buttons. The jacket fastens at the front with these buttons and is lined with light‑colored silk - now tattered and in need of replacement. The skirt is unlined, as was typical for some tailored walking suits of the period.

Aside from the fragile lining, the dress is in good to very good condition. There is a small tear at the back (visible in the photos) and a few open seams, all of which can be easily repaired. The velvet itself remains beautifully preserved, retaining its depth and elegance.

A highly collectible example of Parisian Edwardian fashion, this walking dress is a rare opportunity to acquire a garment from one of the most exclusive couture houses of its time. Decorative items shown in photographs are not included.

Jacket:
Chest: ~ 100 cm
Length: ~ 80 cm

Skirt:
Waist: ~ 73 cm 
Length: ~ 102 cm

Total Length: ~ 150 cm