Nightgown

Rita de Acosta Lydig (1880-1929), a noted beauty and style icon of the early 20th century, owned this nightgown. Many of de Acosta Lydig's garments feature lace panels or trim which likely came from her extensive personal collection. In addition to two different types of fine lace trimming, this piece includes an oval medallion embroidered with in a distinctive figural style known as "nun's work," thought to be either French or Swiss in origin. The maker of this garment had a sense of wit; the inclusion of a cupid figure on such an intimate garment makes a statement about the wearer's proclivity for romance or, perhaps, seduction.

Part of Rita Lydig's wardrobe; the embroidery is a distinctive figural type that is known as nun's work and is either French or Swiss; the cupid motif definitely makes a statement of Lydig as seductress; the same motif appears on lingerie from Rita de Acosta Lydig in the collection of the Costume Institute.