Not on display

Chemise

ca. 1906 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Chemise made of white cotton with embroidered net in a floral design. Calf-length, cut in one piece and the side seams are shaped to fit the figure. Low round neck, sleeveless and fastens at the centre back with six linen covered buttons. The neck and armholes are edged with lace. At the bust there are two semi-circular panels fitted with vertical bands of lace and around this is embroidered a floral design with butterflies. Small florettes sprigs are embroidered round the neck. 'Emilie' is embroidered in white thread on the right side of the bodice in the same design as T.204-1967.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Cotton with embroidered net, lace, linen
Brief description
Chemise made of cotton with embroidered net and lace, France, ca. 1906
Physical description
Chemise made of white cotton with embroidered net in a floral design. Calf-length, cut in one piece and the side seams are shaped to fit the figure. Low round neck, sleeveless and fastens at the centre back with six linen covered buttons. The neck and armholes are edged with lace. At the bust there are two semi-circular panels fitted with vertical bands of lace and around this is embroidered a floral design with butterflies. Small florettes sprigs are embroidered round the neck. 'Emilie' is embroidered in white thread on the right side of the bodice in the same design as T.204-1967.
Object history
This was 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.
Collection
Accession number
T.197-1967

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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