Date: c. 1950s
Origin: France
Fabric: Lace & Nylon
Brand: Cadolle
An underwired solution bra that was custom made for its original owner. The bustline has a balconette cut. Elastic strapping forms the bra wings and anchors the bra at the waist to compensate for the lack of back support. It fastens with hooks and eyes at the centre back. Satin shoulder straps are adjustable with celluloid. The cups are made from luxurious leavers lace with nylon and cotton tulle lining. Lace ribbon slot trim embellishing the neckline, with a bow at the centre front.
On the interior of the garment, the underwires are encased in plush velvet ribbon. The cup interiors feature what was originally padding (now largely disintegrated), encased in a nylon pocket.
The Cadolle design house was founded by Herminie Cadolle in 1878, originally a shop that specialised in made-to-measure undergarments. Herminie is often credited with designing the first modern bra in 1889, although this is often contested. The brand continues to this day, and is now headed by Poupie Cadolle, the fifth generation of the family to run the eponymous brand.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
