On 10 May 1908 three of her models caused a sensation during The Prix du Prince de Galles at Longchamp Racecourse by presenting a new slim and free line which press called "the directoire gown". The three models were called "Les Nouvelles Merveilleuses" by the press, referring to the semi-naked beauties of the French Revolutionary period. It seemed to the crowd that gathered around them that the three young women were virtually naked beneath their figure-hugging gowns. The most beautiful of the three young women, "la belle Möina" (left in the photograph) was at once offered a contract by the director of the Moulin Rouge. The New York Times reported that, "Pictures of the young women who displayed their charming persons in so-called directoire gowns, are printed in both capitals [London and Paris] and artists and moralists, men of the world, police officers and dressmakers have been interviewed in bewildering numbers." The new style was quickly adopted by famous personalities such as the actress Lillie Langtry when she attended the races at Chester Racecourse.Margaine-Lacroix and the dresses that shocked Paris, Kensington and Chelsea Libraries, 12 July 2013
