{"product_id":"exceptional-1880s-french-theatrical-stage-bra-complete-belle-epoque-jeweled-costume","title":"Exceptional 1880s French Theatrical Stage Bra – Complete Belle Époque Jeweled Costume","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA truly spectacular and exceptionally rare \u003cstrong\u003eFrench theatrical stage bra dating from the 1880s\u003c\/strong\u003e, surviving in remarkably complete and original condition.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated during the glamorous world of late 19th-century French theatre and revue, this extraordinary costume piece is lavishly decorated with elaborate gold-tone filigree, brilliant red and blue glass stones, sparkling paste rhinestones and delicate faux pearls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two large circular breast pieces are joined by an equally ornate central medallion, while an elaborate system of long gold-tone chains drapes gracefully around the body. At the waist sits another richly decorated jeweled medallion from which numerous long chains cascade dramatically downward, each terminating in a small pearl-shaped drop. The reverse is equally fascinating, revealing how the chains were arranged around the performer's body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this piece particularly exceptional is its \u003cstrong\u003ecompleteness\u003c\/strong\u003e. Fragile theatrical costumes were repeatedly worn, altered, dismantled and reused, making it extremely unusual for such an elaborate 19th-century stage costume to survive with its original decorative elements still together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bra remains in \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful, authentic antique condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, showing the expected traces of age and theatrical use. It has deliberately not been over-restored, preserving the wonderful character and history accumulated over more than 130 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary survivor from the world of the \u003cstrong\u003eBelle Époque French stage\u003c\/strong\u003e — extravagant, sensual and theatrical, exactly as it was intended to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA true collector's piece for an important collection of \u003cstrong\u003ehistoric costume, French theatre, cabaret and revue memorabilia, or 19th-century decorative arts.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrance, circa 1880s.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bridget's Cabinet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59295497847109,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1037\/7583\/0341\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep11_2026_03_21_09PM.png?v=1789139890","url":"https:\/\/www.bridgetscabinet.com\/products\/exceptional-1880s-french-theatrical-stage-bra-complete-belle-epoque-jeweled-costume","provider":"Bridget's Cabinet","version":"1.0","type":"link"}