Fichu
Fichu is the French term for a triangular or square scarf folded diagonally into a triangle that covers the neck and décolleté of women.
It has been part of the clothing of women, especially the lower and middle classes , since the 17th century and part of most traditional costumes since the 19th century . In addition to the warming function, which was made necessary by the fashion of deep necklines, the fichu also fulfills the requirements of the current concept of decency by covering the neckline, but can also have an erotic effect if it is arranged more revealing than concealing or (as in the 1780s) is puffed up over the chest in order to pretend more than there is.
The fichu is mostly made of white linen or white cotton , possibly decorated with embroidery, in the 18th century also made of printed cotton, from the 19th century and in traditional costumes also made of silk, with or without fringes .
literature
- Gretel Wagner: Fichu , in: Reallexikon zur Deutschen Kunstgeschichte , Vol. 8, 1984, Col. 763–767
