What is a decorative Stomacher? What does it do?
A Stomacher, is a decorated panel that is inserted into the front opening of a gown or corseted bodice. They were widely used during the late 15th century up to the late 18th century.
They were originally made for functionality, to cover the opening in the front of a bodice, to cover the stays and chemise that the lady wore underneath her gown. At first they were made to match their gowns, but then a trend started of creating contrasting colors and designs as well. As they gained more popularity, stomachers became a way to show your status, or to show off your own talents with your own designs. Wealthy ladies commissioned stomachers made with intricate embroidery and shimmering jewels.
For many others, it was cheaper to pay for a new stomacher to freshen up their gown that they already owned, versus buying an all new gown. By the 17th and 18th centuries, bodices became more cone shaped, so the stomacher changed shape as well, to resemble a triangle. New styles came into fashion of heavily embroidered stomachers blooming with polychrome flowers, faux lacing, and frilly bows.
A Stomacher provides two functions:
1) to provide structure to the gown or corset and extend the corsetry itself, and
2) to add decoration, or to customize the design of the gown or corset, to provide flexibility and transform the overall look of an ensemble.
Our signature stomachers can be laced directly into the front of the corseted bodice of our Immortelle Gowns and corsets (not designed for our Guinevere style due to length). Stomachers can also slide under the laces/ribbons to be pressure-fit into place on top of the modesty panel.
Did you know you can also design your own stomacher! The options are endless and one Immortelle gown can become as many glorious inspirations as you can possibly dream.
