Date: c. 1900-1910s
Origin: Unknown
Fabric: Silk and rubber
Brand: Unknown
A sample book of various elastic trims c. 1900-1910s. Elastication was still a relatively new technology, and these trim options offered makers of all varieties of clothing exciting possibilities. These elastics were created from rubber cores wrapped in fabric fibres, mainly cotton and silk. Unfortunately these early elastics were very unstable, and so have completely dried out and lost their stretch entirely now.
Elaborate frilly silk elastics were commonly used in lingerie and corsetry, mostly for garters and suspender straps. The examples in this book are notably intricate, with silk frills and woven patterns, offered in a wide range of vibrant shades and elaborate patterns.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
