Date: c. 1960s
Origin: USA
Fabric: Nylon mesh
Brand: Juel Park
A simple bra in a fine nylon mesh, with a single dart per cup for shaping. It is finished with an elastic underband. The shoulder straps are elasticated and adjustable with enamelled metal components. The bralet closes at the rear with a hook and eyelet tape fastening. The bra was likely custom made for a client as a luxury copy of the fashionable ‘No Bra’ Bra created by Rudi Gernreich for Exquisite Form in 1965, as the shape and construction techniques are almost identical. It is interesting to compare the two garments, especially as the target markets and price points of the brands are so different; Exquisite Form was mass manufactured and relatively affordable, whereas Juel Park was decidedly higher end and custom made its products for individual customers.
The eponymous Juel Park brand was founded in 1929, when the founder was just 22. She became renowned for her exquisite couture lingerie, with a wealth of celebrity and high society clients. The label continues to create luxury lingerie in California to this day.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
