BOUÉ Sylvie & Jeanne (Boué Soeurs) (Designers)

A delicate lace and embroidered lawn tea gown is caught up on the hips with a threaded silk sash. Roses decorate the shoulders and, as was customary, the hem dips either side to create the impression of swags. The Paris haute couture house of the Boué Soeurs flourished at the beginning of the twentieth century, together with those of Paul Poiret, the Callot Sours and Madame Paquin. During the First World War the Boué Soeurs moved to New York, where John Redfern and Lucile had already opened branches of their businesses. The Boué Soeurs, who contributed much to the city's high fashion, were renowned for their romantic designs, which often borrowed details from costume found in historical paintings. Their garments, sometimes reminiscent of underwear as here, were made in luscious fabrics such as paper taffetas and silk organdies and were ornately decorated. 

Also look up for Callot, Duff Gordon, De Meyer, Paquin, Redfern