Date: c. 1905
Origin: France
Brand: Boué Soeurs
This c. 1905 illustration published in the French magazine Femina showcases five dresses from the Boué Soeurs house. The dresses are all typical of the Belle Époque era, with the popular “pigeon-breasted” silhouette, also seen in an illustration published in Femina in 1905. Corsets were still mandatory garments, as seen in the narrow waists. The dresses at the far left and right of the illustration would be suitable for the morning, with their long sleeves and high necklines. The three dresses in the center would be worn in the afternoon, with exposed collarbones and shorter sleeves.
The distinct femininity of the Boué Soeurs is visible in this illustration, through the gathered skirts and abundance of frothy lace trimmings. The materials are described as silk chiffon, tulle, and embroidered silk. Three of the illustrated dresses feature floral motifs. From left to right, the first dress features golden daisies, the second dress features “small crowns” of pink roses on the lace flounces, and the fourth dress from the left does not specify flowers in the description but has floral motifs in the lace trim on the skirt.
The brand was founded in 1899 by sisters Madame Sylvie Montegut and Baronne Jeanne d’Etreillis (under their shared maiden name). The house was characterized by overt femininity, created with airy, translucent fabrics, fine laces, ribbonwork, and delicate floral motifs. This complex but delicate style made the house famous for evening wear and lingerie. The sisters utilized lace so frequently that they designed their own, such as the Filet Boué, a floral patterned lace that became a signature of the house. Silk rosettes were another signature decoration of their garments, including on shoes, such as these evening slippers.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
Many thanks to Katherine Shark for the object description and research.
