#2572 $950
Belle Époque lace trimmed peignoir, c.1905
Lingerie from the early 20th century is treasured by the collector for its romantic nostalgia. Who can resist the unapologetic femininity of our seductive peignoir? The romantic style of ruffles and lace was so popular that it could not be kept in the boudoir. Soon the "lingerie" dress was everywhere. It was worn through the 1920s.
Made from alternating, bias-cut panels of white ribbon-weave cotton and white cotton lace, the luxurious and stately peignoir is decorated with abundant ruffles and yards of lace. This meets the Edwardian standard for lavish boudoir dress. The voluminous sleeves and long back train heighten the dramatic effect.
Although the style is full and loose, the bias cut allows the fabric to gracefully skim the body. The peignoir closes in front with self-covered buttons concealed behind the lace ruffles. The pink silk ribbon ties are original. The diagonal orientation of the panels, together with the train, visually lengthen the silhouette.
The sumptuous sleeves and the train make this extravagantly romantic peignoir perfect for a charming and seductive lady of high station. I can see the great actress Sarah Bernhardt receiving the Prince of Wales (later, King Edward VII, the original "Edwardian") in her dressing room in this beautiful peignoir. The Divine Sarah, who loved lingerie, was rumored to have had an affair with Edward.
The condition is almost excellent. The few small mends get lost in the fullness of the style. They do not spoil the appearance.
Generous size.
It measures: 48" bust, 54" waist, 72" hip, 16 1/2" from shoulder seam
to shoulder seam, 20" sleeve length
to the wrist excluding the ruffle, and 59" from shoulder to hem (longer in back).
