Cadolle: An Extraordinary Family Saga
By ELLEN LEWIS
In the study of French lingerie I would be hard pressed to not mention the House of Cadolle. Founded on the premise that well-being as well as seduction is the underpinning to female empowerment, the company has, for 130 years, been dedicated to serving women. Birthed in 1889 when founder Hermione secured the first bra patent at the Paris World Exhibition, this eponymous brand has been led by 6 generations of Cadolle women. Revolutionary in its day, it is still a bastion of feminine independence; “dedicated to the service of women, for women, by women”.
There are some names that are legendary in the Intimates industry, and Poupie Cadolle is one of them. Joining Cadolle in the 1970’s after earning a law degree (She had no intent in following in her mother’s footsteps) Poupie rose to the top of the Cadolle estate after training in all departments of this iconic company. I met Poupie (5th generation) in Paris some years ago at the Salon International de la Lingerie. We always touch base and that is how I learned, in 2018, of the publication of her book: Cadolle: An Extraordinary Family Saga. The book is a not only an inside look at the family journey, but also an exceptional insight into the history of lingerie recounted first hand by a remarkable woman. So when she told me she was coming to speak at Curve NY (Tuesday, 2/26 at 1PM), I was delighted to let my readers know. She will sign books on sight, but they are available anytime from the Cadolle website. And if you visit Curve, stop by the Cadolle Creation booth and meet Patricia, Poupie’s daughter, now carrying on the name with her thoroughly modern collections.
