Date: c. 1960s
Origin: Great Britain
Fabric: Nylon
Brand: Rigby & Peller
A luxurious corselet that was likely custom made for a specific customer, likely created in the transitional period of fashion between the 1950s and 60s. The style is reminiscent of 50s foundationwear, but the silhouette is more in line with the more straight cut fashions of the 60s.
The corselet is made from a single layer of sturdy woven nylon, with a mix of flat and spiral steel bones to offer structure. The bone channels are made of a cotton twill tape, which is interrupted to expose the bones on the garment interior (presumably so that they can be removed for washing and drying the garment), with silk velvet overlays offering a greater level of comfort to the wearer. Hand stitched flossing helps to secure the bones in place.
A sturdy grosgrain tape is sewn into the waist with a hook and eye fastening, helping to anchor the garment in place when dressing, as a longer line silhouette like this can be challenging to dress in.
The cups of the garment are structured with foam padding. Sturdy underwires and a wire separator offer structure, with additional silk velvet ribbon offering a comfortable and plush lining. the centre back of the garment has panels of stretch mesh to offer a little comfort and flexibility during wear. The corselet fastens with a row of hooks and eyes through the centre back, with silk velvet as lining.
4 suspender streps made of wide elastic are embellished with silk ribbon rosettes, with silk satin ribbon flashes over the suspender grips. The straps are not adjustable, but as this corselet was likely custom made, were still probably the perfect fit.
The brand label of the corselet lists the British Royal warrant, which was granted to the brand in 1960. This date is line with the style and shape of this corselet.
Rigby & Peller was founded in 1939 by Gita Peller (a Jewish Hungarian refugee) and Bertha Rigby (an English corsetiere), when they opened their first store in London’s West End on South Molton Street. The stores held the British Royal Warrant of Appointment and provided underpinnings for the Queen and other members of the royal family between 1960-2017. The company is renowned for its stringent approach to bra fitting.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
