Date: c. 1960s
Origin: France
Fabric: Nylon
Brand: Cadolle
A bra and tap pant set in fine nylon lace, in contrasting shades of ice blue and navy. The bra is made largely of unlined lace, with a double layered panel of stretch mesh at the underbust. An additional panel of stretch mesh at the centre back gives some fit flexibility. The shoulder straps are made of adjustable acetate satin, with a small section of stretch mesh at the back. The neckline is finished with a navy lace trim, with a small rosette at the centre front gore.
The matching tap pants have a bifurcated cut, with coordinating navy lace trim and rosette at the waistline. An interior nylon channel at the waist encases elastic. A ribbon slot style lace trim finishes the leg edges. There is a small keyhold opening at the rear of the garment, fastening with a metal hook and eye.
The Cadolle design house was founded by Herminie Cadolle in 1878, originally a shop that specialised in made-to-measure undergarments. Herminie is often credited with designing the first modern bra in 1889, although this is often contested. The brand continues to this day, and is now headed by Poupie Cadolle, the fifth generation of the family to run the eponymous brand.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
