Description

One of the highlights of my collection is this spectacular handmade brass bra, dating from around 1880, crafted in Paris.
This rare piece was made in a time when theatre, cabaret, and Orientalist fantasy dominated the Parisian stage. The cups are exquisitely shaped and lined with gold-threaded fabric, mounted on repoussé brass discs adorned with antique glass stones and rhinestones in vibrant hues of red, green, and crystal. The decorative patterns are finely punched and chased, and the bra closes at the back with intertwined neck and back chains that cross elegantly.

Remarkably, this unique costume element has survived in exceptional condition—its brilliance and intricate detailing remain almost untouched by time. When worn under stage lighting, the jewels would shimmer with every movement, creating a captivating play of light that accentuated the performer’s allure.

History

Such ornate costume bras were famously worn by Mata Hari, Theda Bara, and other legendary performers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They embodied the fascination with the exotic and the forbidden, merging sensuality with artistry.
In the era of Parisian Folies Bergère, Moulin Rouge, and early cinema, these creations were part of elaborate stage costumes—paired with sheer veils, harem trousers, and elaborate arm cuffs.

Only a few authentic examples have survived; most of those found today in museums are reconstructions or fragmentary remains. This particular bra is one of the few known originals still complete with its stones and chains intact. A matching headdress and arm cuffs, part of the same set, will soon be revealed in The Secret Cabinet.

MUS-037