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The stomacher, which was a part of fashion from the 16th to 18th centuries, was a central U or V shaped panel inserted or fastened onto the bodice of a dress by means of tabs to cover corset or undergarment lacings. Its purpose was to add structure and pzzazz to a gown. Many stomachers were moved from one gown to another, like a piece of jewelry. In fact in addition to elaborate embroidery, jewels sometimes embellished its surface.
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The polychrome hand embroidery of this English 1730 stomacher is executed in silk and bronze metallic floss on a ground of écru linen and is backed with linen.
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By contrast this taffeta stomacher, hand-embroidered with silk polychrome floss, of roughly the same date (1720) is French. It has a more subtly tailored outline. Both items are for sale through
Vintage Textiles.
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I actually prefer the English decorative work. It is perhaps not as well defined and framed as the French, but seems more vibrant somehow.
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