Date: c. 1950s
Origin: France
Fabric: Machine lace, nylon, stretch net
Brand: Cadolle
A longline bra in a peach fine machine-made lace and elasticated net. It is relatively unstructured and lacks underwires or boning. A fine lace trim embellishes the neckline. The shoulder straps are crafted from a front half of rayon satin ribbon with celluloid adjusters, and a back half of colour coordinated elastic. The bra fastens at the centre back with a row of hooks and eyes. Elasticated net panelling is used in a panel at the centre front and back of the bra for additional fit flexibility and comfort. The non-stretch panels are lined with a woven nylon.
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