18th Century Compères

Last updated: Jan 5, 2024

Sometimes the buttons on a compère front are functional, but they are often merely decorative elements on a separate stomacher. Compères tend to be self-trimmed (if they’re trimmed at all), sometimes with lace or metal threads; the ground fabric should match the rest of the gown. Most, but not all, of the dresses with a compère button-front stomacher are robes à la française.