CALLOT SISTERS

   The four sisters, Marie Gerber, Marthe Bertrand, Regine Tennyson-Chantrelle, and Josephine Crimont, founded the Parisian couture house that bore their name in 1895. The house was best known for their luxurious use of silk, chiffon, and antique lace, as well as for drawing inspiration from Asian and African construction techniques. It was sister Marie Gerber who was drawn to the drape of the Asian kimono and was significantly inspired by it in her designs. She is also credited with designing some of the earliest variations of "Turkish" harem pants. Additionally, her appreciation of Asian design led to an incorporation of Oriental costume in her work. This, combined with the harem influence, gave birth to the "tango dress." The house remained active until the late 1930s.

   See also Bloomer-Romper; Haute Couture.