Antique embroidered bodice “Angiolina’s outfit”
Antique embroidered bodice “Angiolina’s outfit”
In my constant search for antique fabrics I sometimes come across real treasures, as in this case.
A trunk from an ancient villa that contained the personal trousseau of Angiolina, a noblewoman who lived at the end of the 19th century.
A real discovery, so many beautiful and perfectly preserved pieces, thanks to the fact that they were forgotten for over a century inside this trunk.
Precious garments that tell us about another era, other lives, industrious hands that embroidered and sewed.
And in their ancient nature, all garments are still wearable today.
This is the sleeveless bodice that replaced our tank top and completed the petticoat (for sale in the shop). This one is also beautiful.
A bodice featuring trimmings and decorations in line with those of the petticoat it was paired with.
Under the armpit, Angiolina's two initials, AP, are embroidered in English cursive.
It features a square neckline and is edged with scalloped edges, like the armholes.
The front is closed with very beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons, the buttonholes are obviously handmade.
Two hidden straps allow you to adjust the width in the front half.
The width of the bodice at the breast level is approximately 45 cm
The bodice is obviously pure cotton. It dates back to the late 1800s.
It has been carefully washed but I did not want to insist on some small stains that it has in some places, because it is a very old garment and must be respected and loved for what it is. These are not defects but small testimonies of the age that this garment has.
You can machine wash it on delicate cycle or hand wash, with mild soap. Air dry and do not spin.