This beautiful and feminine fichu wrap is from a special collection of historic lingerie textiles,

clothing and accessories from a prominent Westchester NY family involved in politics

for generations. This particular piece—which is both lovely to wear and a rare part of textile history, is hand crafted in early and rather rare highly detailed French Valenciennes bridal laces (see photos). The fichu, which was a popular bridal item of the time, was found with several lovely trousseau items wrapped carefully in a box from a shop in Paris dated 1887. The piece, which is made of the finest hand-milled and hand stitched Valenciennes lacing, is distinctive for its intricately worked rather exotic early period botanical motifs; its delicately ruffled detailing; its flattering scalloped edging; and

its original dainty shadowed—from pale raspberry to cream—silk bow closure,

adorned with hand embroidered florals, often a tradition of trousseau pieces (see photos). The fichu may be worn two ways: it can sit demurely at the edges of the shoulders, closing at the bosom; or it can fall gracefully, ruffling down the front (see photos). The piece is in very good vintage condition; it was carefully stored and appears it was seldom worn. It measures about 56½” long when laid out, and about 5” wide on each side (see photos).