Date: c. 1920s
Origin: France
Fabric: Cotton bobbinet, cotton muslin
Brand: Boué Soeurs
A lightweight chemisette, originally worn for additional modesty under plunging necklines. It is crafted from fine cotton bobbinet with a centre panel of white cotton muslin, embellished with hand stitched whitework embroidery. This central panel features motifs of birds, floral and botanical motifs, and is edged with finely pintucked tulle ruffles. The chemisette fastens with a row of metal poppers at the left side seam, and a small button above a keyhole cutout at the back neckline. There are additional loops with popper fasteners at the shoulder seams, to secure to the shoulder straps of a slip. The cotton muslin neckline was originally cut higher, but at some stage was torn and rolled down into a slight U shape.
The Boué Soeurs fashion house was founded in 1899 by sisters Madame Sylvie Montegut and Baronne Jeanne d’Etreillis, using their maiden name Boué. It was based in Paris, with their headquarters at 9 Rue De La Paix. The house was renowned for its overtly feminine and elaborate designs, and were particularly renowned for their Robe De Style gowns and lingerie. Signature details of their creations included whitework embroidery, ribbonwork embellishments, metal embroideries and fine laces.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
