House of Buzenet: Parisian Elegance & Classical Couture for Ocean Travelers (1909–1913)

This Dress, Worn by Miss Baully of This Theater, Is Draped in Black Satin and Has a Bodice of Pink Silk Muslin Entirely Embroidered in White and Black. It Is a Sober Outfit With a Discreet and Assured Effect, Giving the Body’s Line Fullness and Grace. Le Petit Mois Supplément illustré de la Revue des Français, 25 September 1912. | GGA Image ID # 218825609d

✨ Review & Summary – House of Buzenet: Parisian Fashion Designer

🎀 Introduction & Relevance to Ocean Travel and Fashion

The House of Buzenet, though less well-known than titans like Paquin or Redfern, represents the refined stability of Paris couture in the early 20th century. Unlike flashier contemporaries, Buzenet was recognized for its consistent taste, restraint, and reliance on French classical traditions rather than sensationalism. This approach made its garments appealing to the traveling elite, particularly ocean liner passengers who valued elegant reliability in their wardrobes for transatlantic voyages.

For teachers and students, Buzenet illustrates how fashion can embody tradition while subtly shifting with modern trends.

For genealogists and historians, it offers context when identifying garments in family photographs or tracing social connections through theater, magazines, or society reports.

LA MODE

Quiconque suit avec attention les clichés de modes dans les revues et les cartons des photo- graphes doit être frappé de la régularité dans le goût dont fait preuve la maison Buzenet.

Nos lectrices ont pu déjà apprendre à la mieux connaître dans les pages de la revue qui leur sont réservées. C’est elle encore qui nous fournit la toilette de transition que nous désirions leur montrer en cette fin d’été où commence déjà l’hiver.

On va, paraît-il, pouvoir admirer les nouvelles créations de Madame Buzenet sur la scène du Vaude- ville cette saison. Notre cliché nous en donne un avantgoût. Cette robe portée par Melle Baully, de ce théâtre,est drapée de satin noir avec un corsage de mousseline de soie rose, entièrement brodé en blanc et noir.

C’est une toilette sobre d’un effet à la fois discret et sûr qui donne à la ligne du corps de l’ampleur et de la grâce. On chercherait en vain dans les modèles de la maison Buzenet cette recherche hasardeuse de la nouveauté, ce désir de se singulariser.cet appel bruyant au public par lesquels des couturiers trop présses d’arriver se sont déconsidérés.

La France sera toujours un pays de traditions classiques. Et les artistes qui ont la patience d’y plier leur effort en sont toujours sûrement récompensés.

FASHION (Translation of the French)

Anyone who follows fashion photos in magazines and photographers' portfolios must be struck by the consistent taste demonstrated by the house of Buzenet. Our readers have already had the opportunity to get to know it better in the pages of this magazine dedicated to them.

It is again this house that provides us with the transitional outfit we wished to show them at this end of summer, where winter is already beginning. It seems that the new creations of Madame Buzenet will be admired on the Vaudeville stage this season.

Our photo gives us a preview. This dress, worn by Miss Baully of this theater, is draped in black satin with a bodice of pink silk muslin, entirely embroidered in white and black. It is a sober outfit with an effect that is both discreet and assured, giving the body's line fullness and grace.

One would search in vain in the models of the house of Buzenet for that risky pursuit of novelty, that desire to stand out, that loud appeal to the public by which fashion designers too eager to succeed have discredited themselves. France will always be a country of classical traditions. And the artists who have the patience to align their efforts with these traditions are always surely rewarded.

Afternnon Costume Consisting of a Robe of Taupe Silk Embroidered Veiling Over the Foundation of Praline Satin Liberty From the House of Buzenet. (Silk Magazine, July 1909) | GGA Image ID # 224a2816b8

I have the pleasure of introducing a new dressmaker to your notice. The house of Buzenet is yet in its infancy. Still, Madame Busenet has a rare and elegant taste that has quickly made her famous with the nicest people.

The other day, I saw some of the most stunning models in Paris. Her shop has such lovely wraps, exquisite lingerie gowns and blouses, and stylish costumes for all occasions that I longed to possess them all.

Buzenet is at 14 Rue a Boetie. Buzenet is conveniently located at 14 Rue a Boetie, only a short distance from the House of Madeleine, making it an ideal choice for foreigners.

The rents are not so exorbitant, making it a practical and affordable option for those seeking high-quality fashion and dressmaking services. (The Theatre Magazine, September 1909)

A Stunning Afternoon Gown by Buzenet Paris. Model Is Made of Black Velvet Trimmed With Light Satin and Has a Broad Velvet Belt. the Satin Tunic With Heavily Embroidered Panels Shows the Extensive Use of Embroidery. Photo by Underwood & Underwood, New York. (Dry Goods Reporter, 29 November 1913) | GGA Image ID # 224ac290a6

🖼️ Noteworthy Images & Captions

The archival images provide a window into Buzenet’s design ethos, highlighting understated elegance and exquisite fabric work:

• Miss Baully’s Black Satin and Pink Silk Muslin Dress (1912) – Draped satin and embroidered muslin create a sophisticated ensemble that balances grace and discretion. | GGA Image ID #218825609d
• Taupe Silk Robe with Praline Satin Liberty Foundation (1909) – A transitional gown showcasing delicate veiling and layered tones. | GGA Image ID #224a2816b8
• Afternoon Gown of Black Velvet with Embroidered Satin Panels (1913) – A dramatic yet wearable creation emphasizing embroidery’s role in couture. | GGA Image ID #224ac290a6

🧵 Why This Page Matters

1. For Educators & Students 📘

Use Buzenet to explore the balance of tradition vs. innovation in early couture.
Assign essays such as: *“Why would conservative design appeal to ocean travelers?”*

2. For Genealogists 🗂️

Buzenet’s designs, often photographed for theatrical productions, can date family portraits and travel photographs.

3. For Historians 🕰️

Reveals the cultural value of restraint in Paris fashion during a period of global change and expanding travel culture.

📖 Brief Dictionary of Terms

• Corsage – The bodice or upper portion of a woman’s dress.
• Liberty Satin – Fine satin associated with Liberty & Co., London, known for quality textiles.
• Tunic – A garment layer that falls over the skirt or foundation dress.
• Embroidery – Decorative stitching, often in silk or metallic thread, common in couture embellishment.

📚 Educational Encouragement

💡 Students! If you’re writing about Paris fashion, ocean travel, or cultural identity, use the GG Archives as a primary source. With original photography, translations, and detailed analysis, it’s a rich, academic-quality resource for essays, projects, and historical studies.