Date: c. 1950-60s
Origin: France
Fabric: Nylon mesh and satin
Brand: Cadolle
A girdle intended to be worn by teenage girls from Cadolle’s ‘Jeune Fille’ (young girl) line, crafted from an elasticated patterned mesh and a central non-stretch satin panel. The centre satin panel is intricately embroidered with a chain stitch in shades of pink, with a floral and loop pattern. The girdle is elasticated at the waistline and hem, and has four integrated garter straps with ruched elasticated straps, metal grips and satin ribbon flashes. This style is designed to pull on over the hips and has no fastenings. It is not designed to dramatically reshape the body, instead offering gentle support, and most importantly, a method to keep stockings up in a time before tights were easily accessible.
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
