Date: c. 1910s
Origin: United States
Fabric: Silk chiffon, silk machine lace, silk satin ribbon
Brand: Likely custom made
An incredibly fine and diaphonous step-in teddy, made of lightweight silk chiffon and trimmed with a silk based machine lace. The garment is incredibly simply cut, with the body panels made of inverted ‘T’ shaped panels, with gathers at the hips giving the finished garment the appearance of a rectangle. The gusset is a simple ribbon shaped panel that joins the front and rear of the body between the legs. A piece of silk ribbon forms a sash at the waist of the garment, allowing the wearer to cinch the loosely fitted piece at the waistline.
Silk satin ribbon forms the shoulder straps and is decoratively draped across the bustline, with further embellishment in the form of small silk ribbonwork rosettes and wax pearl stamens. The entire garment is hand sewn, with impeccable workmanship and tiny stitches. This fine workmanship coupled with the fine fabrics would have made this an exceptionally luxurious garment for its time. It is largely unworn, and was likely part of a wealthy bride’s trousseau.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
