Vintage inspiration: delicate lingerie and romantic gowns by Boué Soeurs

Just a little historical inspiration for these last brisk days of February...

I'm so in love with the work by Boué Soeurs, two French sisters-turned-designers who were known for creating finely-embellished, ultra-feminine gowns and lingerie from the late 1800s through the 1930s.

Photography by Deborah Kominek

Photography by Deborah Kominek

Although their work seems to have been very popular during the time, information about the designers is scarce. The house stayed open through the 1950s but their aesthetic did not evolve over time and they fell out of popularity.

But look at that lace, and those ribbon bouquets, and the silhouettes--too gorgeous. I read about them for the first time a few months ago and wondered how I hadn't heard of them sooner--they are the first historical designers that I've felt connected to in any way.We definitely share strong aesthetic threads; they were often inspired by historical paintings and their lingerie influences, popular in the 20s, are deliciously clear.

Of course, their aesthetics translates into actual undergarments seamlessly, as well:

Ribbon roses, fine lace, velvet ribbons, delicate craftsmanship, and a feeling of decadence--five things that no one should be without.

Sources: one, two, three, four, five.