Date: c. 1920s
Origin: USA
Fabric: Silk Georgette, Machine Lace
Brand: Unknown
A bridal trousseau ensemble incoroprating a step-in teddy, nightgown, bra, garter and boudoir cap. The bra, step-in teddy and nightgown are all made with the same silk georgette. The bra is quite simple in its design, with gathered panels of silk georgette at the bustline, framed by a heavier satin in the underbust and wings. There are small panels of elastic in the centre front and back, although it has now perished and lost its stretch. The shoulder straps are made of silk ribbon, and the garment fastens with metal hooks and eyes at the centre back. The neckline edge is embellished with a delicate crocheted trim.
The step-in and nightgown are much more decorative in their design, both having been embellished with panels of machine made lace, machine embroidered tulle and silk ribbonwork motifs. They both are cut for a loose fit, with a silk ribbon sash at the waist to cinch the garments in. The step in is further embellished with delicate pleats at the bustline, a silk ribbon rosette, and a delicate lace trim at the leg. The shoulder straps are made of silk satin ribbon. The gusset formation is typical of the 1920s, with a single strip of ribbon joining the front and back of the garment. The nightgown has a decorative satin ribbon rosette at the shoulder. Fine gathered tulle trims the underarms and hem, and there is a small patch pocket stitched at the hip of machine made lace.
The garter was most likely part of a pair, and is crafted from a silk satin and elastic with a delicate picot edge trim. A central decorative bow is finished with velvet flowers. The boudoir cap is created from a decorative front panel of rows of ruffled machine made lace and silk ribbon, joined together by strips of silk ribbon. There is a small panel of elastic encased in silk ribbon at the back of the head. The cap is further embellished with silk bows and silk ribbonwork flowers. Although boudoir caps were originally worn for the purpose of protecting hair, this piece was likely intended to be worn purely as decoration within the boudoir.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
