Stockings

Rita de Acosta Lydig (1880-1929), a noted beauty and style icon of the early 20th century, owned these stockings, as well as another pair in the Brooklyn Museum collection, 2009.300.1855a, b. Known for her striking looks and elegant clothing, de Acosta Lydig built a wardrobe that featured numerous lace-trimmed garments, including underwear and accessories like these. The custom quality shows in the silk ribbon garter loops and the embroidery of the owner's name on each stocking, while the seductive aspect of the pair is heightened by their color and the placement of the scrolling lace insets.