The National Library introduces the content of the unique project "Shine of outfits and secrets of flirting" and launches a series of materials about fashion and accessories of the past centuries. We will tell you about the history and interesting facts concerning the exhibits presented at the exhibition. So let's get started!
Nowadays, not everyone can answer the question of what is a portbouquet (French porte-bouquet; English posy holder, tussie-mussie). But 200 years ago, every lady of high society owned this elegant little thing...
The accessory came into fashion in France during the time of Louis XIV. However, the fashionable aristocratic sophistication gained particular popularity in the era of romanticism in the 19th century and until the beginning of the First World War. Luxurious outfits of those years were decorated not only with elegant lace and exquisite fabrics, but even with fresh flowers.
Cone-shaped portbouquets were pinned to outfits, inserted into the hair, or gracefully held in the hands. Water was poured into small bottles or a piece of sponge was placed so that the flowers retain their freshness and aroma for a long time.
The port-bouquets themselves were real works of art. They were lavishly decorated with gold, silver, enamel and precious stones, and the vases themselves in the shape of a cone or horn could even be made of bone or mother-of-pearl.
At that time, strict etiquette did not allow ladies to openly show their interest. Therefore, the ballroom accessory has become a real symbol of flirting. For example, small mirrors were inserted into some port-bouquets, just like into ballroom fans. In them it was possible, imperceptibly for others, to consider the gentleman of interest. With the help of flowers, they learned the art of flirting: confessing their love, making dates, accepting or rejecting courtship. Everything mattered: the color, the shape of the flower (bud or fully blossoming flower), with leaves or not, the presence or absence of thorns mattered for the rose. They also paid attention to the location of the bouquet – at the heart, at the waist, in the left or right hand ...
Today, portbouquets are not only rare museum exhibits, but also desirable collectibles. These exclusive gizmos of fashionistas, as well as more than 300 other items of past eras, can be seen at the "Shine of outfits and secrets of flirting" exhibition.
The working hours of the exhibition correspond to the working hours of the library.
Exhibition visit cost:
- For adults – 10 BYR
- Students of secondary, secondary specialized and higher educational institutions – 5 BYR
- Family ticket: a group of two adults and one child up to 16 years old – 21 BYR, a group of two adults and two children under 16 years old – 24 BYR
Public Relations Department
