. Antique bodice or blouse
. Edwardian
. Labeled Callot Soeurs, Nouvelle Marque Déposés, Paris
. Made of linen and handmade mixed lace
. This is ethnic in feel with a tunic, boxy shape
. This is a very fine, French couture piece
. This is extremely rare to find, most pieces from this house are in museums
. This is so gorgeous, special and rare, where would you find another?

. Condition: very well preserved. The fabric is strong with no damage. There is overall yellowing from age and a few faint spot

. Measures:
. Bust: 41"
. Waist: 41"
. Length: 24"
. Shoulder: 19"

* About the designer:

Callot Soeurs, one of the most influential and successful fashion houses of the early 20th century, was founded in 1895 by four sisters.

The Callot sisters—Marie Gerber, Marthe Bertrand, Régine Tennyson-Chantrelle, and Joséphine Crimont—rose to become the premier dressmaking house of the Belle Époque.

Vogue magazine called them the Three Fates, and declared they were “foremost among the powers that rule the destinies of a woman’s life and increase the income of France.”

Among the first of the design houses to reject the corset, Callot Soeurs knew what women wanted—more freedom of movement, fluid lines, and exquisite detail.

In a male dominated business, the sisters stood out by including the word “Soeurs” (French for sisters) in their label.

"Without the example of the Callot Soeurs, I would have continued to make Fords. It is because of them that I have been able to make Rolls Royces"
Madeleine Vionne