Cami-knickers of silk satin trimmed with lace, possibly made in France or England, 1924

Cami-knickers of white silk satin trimmed with coffee-coloured lace. With a three-button crotch and wide band of lace stitched around the garment. Slightly flared with gores inserted at the hips. Shoulder straps. Hem-stitched.

This lingerie was made for and worn by Miss Emilie Grigsby (1876-1964) who was a wealthy independent American who came to England from New York. She established a salon which was frequented by writers and the military. She was considered to be one of the great international beauties, with extremely pale, almost transparent skin and golden hair. She was frequently the subject of articles in the New York Times during the early 20th century. Her clothes were purchased from couturiers in London, Paris, and New York, and demonstrated an elegantly avant-garde approach to style.

T.187A-1967