Date: c. 1950s
Origin: France
Fabric: Nylon and machine lace
Brand: Alice Cadolle
A slip in white nylon, trimmed with ecru machine made lace trims at the bustline and hem, and embellished with asymmetrically placed lace appliqué at the bust and hip. It is skilfully crafted, with extremely narrow French seam construction, and a great deal of hand finishing work. the lace trims, appliqué, shoulder strap attachment and labels are all entirely hand stitched.
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. Alice Cadolle was the fourth member of the family to run the Cadolle brand, and was preceded by Herminie, Marie and Marguerite. The brand continues to this day. It is now headed by mother and daughter team, Poupie and Patricia Cadolle, the fifth /sixth generation of the family to run the eponymous brand.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska