Date: c.1920s
Origin: Spain
Fabric: Brocade coutil, elastic, silk ribbon, lace
Brand: Custom made
This girdle has a relatively uncurvy shape, so as to streamline the body for the straight 1920s fashions. It is constructed from a single layer of brocade coutil, with gussets of elastic for a more flexible fit. It has few bones in it, using only flat steels at the centre front and back to maintain vertical tension. The pattern is cut with a combination of vertical panels, gusset inserts and darts. The dart seam allowances are taped over on the exterior with silk ribbon, whilst the elastic gusset insert seam allowances are taped over on the interior with the same ribbon.
The top and bottom edges are trimmed with silk binding, with an additional leavers lace trim on the top edge. Small silk ribbon rosettes are scattered across the top edge trim. The girdle has 4 suspender tabs, each using a delicately floral patterned elastic and filigree-style stamped adjusters and garter clips. The girdle laces closed at the centre front, which would have allowed for self-dressing.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
