Stomacher

09/2008

In our exhibition, entitled The Desire for Beauty - The Culture of Clothing between in Hungary 1700 and 1815 the visitors could be acquainted themselves with special and unique robes, jewels and accessories typical of the age. One of the most characteristic piece of women fashion at that time was the so-called stomacher worn throughout Europe. At the beginning, these were the most impressive jewels at the French court. From Paris this fashion spread around the European courts from London to St. Petersburg. Thread at the back, coming to a head in front, the low-cut corset was covered with jewellery imitating waves of ribbons, bouquets and later on naturalistic motifs, all of which followed the line of the corset. These jewels, worn only with formal or evening dresses, were of an enormous value.

In the Hungarian fashion, the stiff stomacher were characteristic elements of the bodice that is held together with a ribbon running through a line of hooks, usually on its frontside.