Some styles can be extremely compelling and that’s especially to when it comes to the 1890s jacket and jacket/bodice styles. Here’s one from the Musée Galliera de la Mode de la Ville de Paris that really caught our eye:

Jacket,  c. 1890s; Musée Galliera de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

Unfortunately there’s not a lot of detail in regard to this garment that we could find but it’s most likely later 1890s, after the extreme gigot sleeve trend had passed by. But from casual examination, it appears that the base fashion fabric appears to be fuschia-colored wool with black jet bead appliques on top. Here’s a couple of close-ups that show off the appliques better:

This jacket is the perfect example of a functional design style that’s been elevated to something more elegant and in the process transcending any idea of practicality.  This is definitely a garment that we would love to be able to view in person. Someday…. 😁