Jacques Doucet Furniture Makes Its Debut at The Invisible Collection’s New York Townhouse

Doucet’s hôtel particulier on Rue Spontini in Paris served as a testament to the patron’s impeccable taste, with expansive collection of rare volumes—curated in part alongside friends like Louis Aragon and André Breton—18th century furniture, antiques, and artworks thoughtfully organized and displayed. However, changing course in 1912, Doucet put his remarkable holdings up for auction in a sale that drew esteemed buyers from around the world, and he moved on to a new address that he filled with his affinity for contemporary art and collectible design. Long after his death in 1929, Doucet’s vision inspired other highly regarded tastemakers, such as Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, and Pierre Bergé, who eagerly sought out works once held by Doucet and exhibitions have paid homage to his collecting prowess.

“Jacques Doucet was undoubtedly a great fashion designer, however it is his impeccable taste that still resonates today,” says Arnaud de Lummen, Managing Director of Luvanis, which revives heritage brands like Moynat and Poiret. “The masterpieces of art he collected during his time are today’s absolute star pieces of museums and private collections. His name carries a great story, the legacy of a French designer, a tastemaker and an art collector whose closest equivalent would be Karl Lagerfeld.”

Now, a new chapter has emerged as the Invisible Collection debuts a new assortment of furniture, conceived with Galerie Creative Minds Garcé & Dimofski. “I have always been a great admirer of Jacques Doucet,” says the Invisible Collection’s Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, also a Galerie Creative Mind. “His culture, curiosity, and his discerning eye have inspired legions. He was definitely one of the most significant collectors of 18th century art, with a collection that represented the height of that era’s aesthetic.”

On view at the Invisible Collection’s New York city townhouse, the assortment of seating, tables, lighting, and rugs “Jacques Doucet: Une Collection Fantasmée” imagines what Doucet’s home would look like in present-day setting with tailored shapes and embroidery-inspired patterns. “This new collection, while not a direct reproduction of Jacques Doucet’s vision, draws deeply from his approach by embracing his spirit of innovation, unique crafts, and artistic dialogue,” says Olivier Garcé. “Doucet’s collections were revolutionary, merging avant-garde artists and designers in his interiors. Similarly, this collection seeks to capture that synergy, translating his boundary-pushing approach into contemporary forms and materials that are meticulously crafted yet unexpected.”

Available exclusively through the Invisible Collection, the pieces include an expansive Spontini sofa, named for Doucet’s Paris mansion, enveloped in a nubby Dedar fabric and accented by unique buttons in unexpected, playful shapes. “The name alone makes me dream of Doucet’s first hôtel particulier on rue Spontini in Paris, with its legendary salons filled with masterpieces by Watteau, de la Tour, and Fragonard, along with 18th-century furniture and hundreds of thousands of rare books,” says Dubern-Mallevays. “For me, this ultra-chic design—sophisticated yet comfortable—evokes the refined atmosphere of Doucet’s home, where art and culture beautifully intertwined.”

The Apollinaire table boasts a rigid geometric shape with a ceramic insert of a sumptuous texture while the graceful Aragon table lamp, made in conjunction with Lison De Caunes, captures attention with its undulating marquetry base that hint at the poetic sashay of a couture gown parading down the runway.

“Doucet’s influence, rooted in a blend of fashion, art, and antique collection, bridges historical craftsmanship with modern luxury, aligning beautifully with Invisible Collection’s mission to highlight exceptional design and artistry,” adds Dubern-Mallevays. “This connection between Doucet’s legacy and contemporary design underscores the timelessness of French savoir-faire, making his work a perfect fit for the brand’s curated offerings. By promoting this collection, we reinforce our commitment to bridging past and present, honoring artistic legacies while fostering new design talent, in this case Garce & Dimofski, in a way that echoes Doucet’s groundbreaking approach.”