Secrets of France: Jewels and Lingerie

posted on : August 19, 2022 posted by : Pamelahawthorne

The French know jewelry. With an historical pedigree from Cartier · Chaumet · Boucheron · Chanel · Dior · De Grace · Breguet, yessir, France has a lock on luxury baubles. On a recent Louvre excursion I spent time in rapt appreciation of the magisterial collection of Crown Jewels enthroned in three showcases in the 17th century gallery of Apollo. From the crown of Louis XV to the Le Régent diamond of 140 carats, from the diadem of the Duchess of Angoulême, niece of Louis XVIII, to the crown of Empress Eugénie: everything shows the fever that had the monarchs, especially Louis XIV, to collect the gems and to hire the finest craftsmen in Europe to create these enviable masterpieces. Below left and right are the necklace and diadem of Queen Marie Amélie.

But this is not just a post about baubles of the monarchs, it’s also some practical information on another French treasure more available for the average shopper.

As a senior female traveler and enthusiastic retail therapist, I have found the loveliest and most comfortable selections of intimate apparel in France, specially les soutien-gorges et les culottes (sounds more elegant than bras and panties don’t you think?). All over Europe, yes, in fact but in France especially.

Why?

Beauty in Diversity

My thoughts about this: the image of European female beauty is different than the American “Barbie-doll” ideal. More culturally diverse, more tolerant of different body-types. More celebratory of differences and less inclined to a cookie-cutter physical ideal.

Whatever the reason for Europe’s different attitudes about beauty and the body, it’s mirrored in the lingerie shops. I find the overall experience, selection and sizing just seems better suited to my senior sensibilities. I want well designed, well-fitting attractive comfort AND luxury and they understand me.

It Started in France

France can rightly claim to be the center of the lingerie world since her citizen, Herminie Cadolle (1845–1926) was the inventor of the modern bra and founder of the Cadolle Lingerie House. Cadolle was born, raised, and lived much of her early life in France.

We owe Herminie a big thank you as an advocate of women’s rights and relief from the discomfort health complications caused by the corset. Comfort rather than beauty was crucial, so the corset was out and the bra was in. Cadolle’s designs are still basic to today’s styling and as fitter of bras to queen, princesses, dancers, even counting Mata Hari as a customer, she established the French reputation for fine lingerie.

My Favs

Lovely fabrics, designs and colors are a hallmark. When shopping, you’ll find that European sizing differs from the US. Here’s a handy comparison size chart.

Also, it’s underwear, not the Crown Jewels. Must be affordable luxury.

The House of Cadolle is still in business and the line is glorious but undeniably out of my budget range. As are Aubade, Eres and a few others but I did find that Maison Lejaby and I love their 10 Golden Rules for buying lingerie. See if you agree.

If you’re in Paris, visit 70 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007. Other locations all around the country and online as well.

I also love Intimissimi after having a “traveling girlfriends” afternoon in Lyon with “Tourfriends”, two lovely Columbian ladies now living in Florida. We shopped, tried on and purchased a selection of lingerie and I need to text them soon to see how they are enjoying their purchases. ; ).

And make sure you catch the Crown Jewel Exhibition at the Louvre. Click for details.