Date: c. 1920s
Origin: France
Fabric: Silk
Brand: Corsets ‘Guy’
This underbust corset was likely created for boudoir rather than everyday wear, as characterised by its luxurious but impractical fabrics and embellishments. It is crafted with a single layer of silk satin through the body. The underbust and bottom hems are both trimmed with a delicate silk leavers lace trim, hand sewn black silk ribbon and pink and green silk rosettes. 4 suspender straps are created with a patterned and ruffled silk blend elastic and decorative silver toned adjusters and clips.
The corset is lightly structured with a mix of flat and spiral steel bones throughout, with black silk flossing embroidery to secure them in place. It fastens with a busk and hidden hook and eye fastenings at the centre front and lacing through brass eyelets at the centre back. The busk is lined with a silk velvet facing for comfort against the skin.
The corset was acquisitioned with a pair of black silk stockings that feature decorative knitted arrow motifs on the ankle and a number of intricately darned repairs. The corset is likewise evidently well worn and well cared for and is in remarkably good condition for its age. It was most likely custom made for a wealthy customer. The manufacturer Corsets ‘Guy’ was based on the Rue Chausée D’Antin in Paris, the same street where the first workshop of heritage lingerie brand ‘Cadolle’ was based.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
