Contemporaine
Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse
This women's blouse from Contemporaine by Simons, designed in Canada, is a lightweight top made from slightly sheer organic cotton voile. It features Richelieu cutwork embroidery across the upper chest, shoulders, and back yoke, a loose fit, a stand collar, and a button-front placket. The long sleeves are gathered and end in buttoned cuffs.
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Specifications
- Material
- 100% organic cotton
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Product Insights
The Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse from Contemporaine ($99) is a handcrafted garment rooted in 14th-century Italian and French cutwork traditions, but subverts them with a black colorway that creates shadow-sculpted texture. Its stand collar, inspired by 19th-century military uniforms, elongates the neck and suits modern settings like video calls. Crafted from 100% organic cotton voile (40–80 GSM), the blouse is featherlight and crisp, with a smooth surface that allows the cutwork to open cleanly. However, the structural thread bridges are delicate and snag easily from jewelry or straps, requiring careful handling—hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended. The loose fit runs oversized but can be tailored by sizing down or styling with tucks, belts, or fitted bottoms. Hypoallergenic and breathable, it transitions seamlessly from office to evening, offering a subtle texture that defines the waist when paired appropriately.
Verified claims
- Heritage
- Originating in 14th-century Italy and perfected in the French royal court.
- Craftsmanship
- Handcrafted cutwork uses buttonhole stitch, cutting, and thread bridges.
- Design context
- Black colorway subverts traditional whitework; officer collar adds a military heritage.
- Durability
- The cutwork's structural thread bridges are vulnerable to snagging from jewellery or straps.
- Care
- The product listing does not specify care instructions for the Richelieu embroidery; hand washing in cold water or dry cleaning is recommended to preserve it, and shoppers should check the garment's care label for best results.
- Colorway significance
- Black subverts whitework tradition with shadow-sculpted cutwork.
- Styling
- Black cutwork's subtle texture suits both offices and evening events.
- Sheerness
- Black colorway is less sheer than white, reducing need for layering.
- Collar
- Stand collar elongates neck, comfortable for video calls and summer.
- Military origins
- Collar style originates from 19th-century military uniforms.
- Weight
- Featherlight 40–80 GSM voile keeps this blouse airy and drapes gracefully for styling.
- Crispness
- High-twist yarns give a crisp hand, so the collar and cuffs hold shape without interfacing.
- Surface
- Smooth, fuzz-free surface lets the Richelieu cutwork open with clean, crisp edges.
- Waist definition
- Pairs with fitted bottoms; can be tucked, belted, or layered for waist definition.
- Fit
- The blouse is described as a loose fit and is likely oversized compared to a fitted blouse; no specific length or bust measurements are provided, so buyers should consult the size guide or consider their usual size for a relaxed look.
- Skin comfort
- Hypoallergenic, breathable, and moisture-wicking for sensitive skin.
- Sustainability
- 100% organic cotton, grown without synthetic pesticides and using less water.
- Sheerness
- The blouse is slightly sheer; the white colorway will likely require a camisole or nude undergarment for full coverage.
- Stretch and wrinkle
- The 100% organic cotton voile has no stretch and is prone to wrinkling; expect some creasing after wear, and steam or iron on a low setting to maintain a crisp look.
- Environmental footprint
- The 100% organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and organic voile production typically uses less water and energy than conventional methods.
Product record
- Title
- Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse
- Brand
- Contemporaine
- Price
- 99 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 9 sourcesUses
Dressing up for weddings and dressy events
Reviewers describe this blouse as having a beautiful, elegant design, and one reviewer highlighted it for weddings and other dressy occasions that call for a polished look. Others have also noted its elegant, pretty aesthetic, making it a piece they reach for beyond everyday wear.[1]
Easy everyday and dressy-casual wear
Reviewers describe this blouse as beautiful and versatile, with a relaxed, loose fit and cute style that works for daily wear or dressier occasions across the warmer seasons, from spring to fall. Some reviewers found the sleeves run large, so shoppers who prefer a slimmer fit may want to size down or plan on alterations. One reviewer also questioned the cotton quality, raising possible durability concerns with repeated washing.[1]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse: Choose this if you want an elegant, loose-fit blouse for dressy occasions or everyday wear, with Richelieu cutwork embroidery across the chest, shoulders, and upper back, a stand collar, front button placket, and gathered buttoned cuffs. It is cut from 100% organic cotton voile that is slightly sheer, with cutouts revealing skin in the embroidered areas, and comes in sizes X-Small to X-Large in Black, White, and Green. Note that some reviewers found the sleeves oversized (sizing down or tailoring may help if you prefer a slimmer fit), and one reviewer called the cotton quality poor, raising potential durability concerns after repeated washing.[1,2,3,4] | Cape Ruffle Chiffon Blouse: Choose this if you want a lightweight, fluid sheer chiffon blouse with romantic detailing, including a cape-effect ruffle across the shoulders, shirt collar, slightly puffy long sleeves with fitted buttoned cuffs, and tone-on-tone buttons down the front. It is made from 100% polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles and comes in Black and Off White in sizes X-Small to X-Large. Note that the fabric is semi-sheer, with slight translucency visible at the lower front hem and sleeve areas in the images, so layering may be worth considering.[5,6] | Lightweight Ruffled Crepe Loose Blouse: Choose this if you want an ultra light, fluid crepe blouse with a loose, slightly boxy silhouette, V-neck, gathered shoulders, and decorative covered buttons down the front. It is made of 100% polyester from recycled plastic and comes in six colors and five sizes, from X-Small to X-Large. Note that the covered buttons are decorative only, so this works best if you plan to pull it on rather than unbutton it.[7,8,9] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing white long-sleeve blouse with a short stand collar, central button placket with covered buttons, and floral Richelieu-style embroidered eyelet panels across the upper chest and shoulders. Lightweight, slightly sheer woven appearance on the embroidered panels.
- Stand collarShort stand (band) collar in the same white fabric, sits around the neck with a small notch at the front center.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.12 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high) - Center button placketVertical front placket running from collar down the torso with a row of fabric-covered round buttons; placket is a slightly stiffer strip of fabric distinct from the body.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.24 · w 0.22 · h 0.50 (high) - Floral embroidery and eyelet cutoutsDense white-on-white floral embroidery forming Richelieu-style patterns with open eyelet cutouts concentrated on the upper chest and shoulder area on both sides of the placket.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.24 · w 0.40 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.55 · y 0.22 · w 0.40 · h 0.36 (high) - Semi-sheer embroidered panelsAreas with embroidery and eyelets appear slightly sheer compared with the lower front body, showing skin tone through the cutouts and lighter weave.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.28 · w 0.70 · h 0.24 (high) - Lower body fabricLower front torso below the embroidered yoke shows a plain white woven fabric with an opaque appearance compared with the upper embroidered area.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.52 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (high) - Sleeve constructionLong sleeves in matching white fabric with a relaxed, slightly billowed shape at the upper arm and a smoother lower sleeve towards the cuff area; right sleeve partially cropped by image edge.
2 regions
x 0.00 · y 0.58 · w 0.32 · h 0.36 (medium); x 0.68 · y 0.60 · w 0.32 · h 0.34 (medium) - Fabric-covered buttonsSmall round buttons along the placket covered in the same white fabric as the blouse, evenly spaced and visible from the collar down.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.30 · w 0.08 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio portrait of a model wearing the blouse against a plain light neutral background. Soft, even lighting with minimal shadows. Model head, hair, and part of denim pants visible; image cropped at hips and above head.
- Shot compositionFrontal portrait crop showing model from just above the head to the hips; blouse centered in frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundUniform pale neutral background with no visible props or patterns.
- Model and styling elementsFemale model with long dark brown hair worn loose over one shoulder and wearing small hoop earrings; denim waistband and belt buckle visible at the bottom of the frame.
2 regions
x 0.25 · y 0.02 · w 0.50 · h 0.45 (high); x 0.35 · y 0.76 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Lighting qualitySoft, even studio lighting with minimal directional shadows and neutral color balance.
Colors
bright white· embroidered yoke and eyelet panelsclean white· lower front body and sleeves#F3F2F8- Stand collarShort stand (band) collar in the same white fabric, sits around the neck with a small notch at the front center.
- 02
Product
White long-sleeve stand-collar blouse with floral cutwork embroidery across the upper chest and shoulders, a central partial button placket, and gathered cuffs.
- Collar and placketShort stand collar with a central partial button placket that extends down the upper torso; placket is a visible stitched fabric strip with small round buttons down its length.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.12 · w 0.28 · h 0.38 (high) - Floral embroidery and cutworkWhite tonal floral embroidery with cutwork openings visible across the upper chest and shoulder panels, forming distinct floral motifs with pierced sections that reveal skin underneath.
3 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.10 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.10 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.28 · y 0.18 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (medium) - Sleeve shape and cuffsLong full sleeves with volume through the arm and gathered elasticized or shirred cuffs finishing in a narrow wrist band.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.22 · w 0.20 · h 0.48 (high); x 0.74 · y 0.22 · w 0.20 · h 0.48 (high) - Fabric appearanceLightweight woven fabric with a slightly translucent quality in embroidered areas; overall matte finish and soft drape as seen where the blouse is tucked at the waist.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (medium) - Hem stylingBlouse is partially tucked into the waistband at the front, producing a slight billow above the shorts' belt.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.44 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio model shot showing upper body and part of lower body against a plain light background with even soft lighting and minimal shadow.
- Model and compositionFemale model shown from slightly above mid-thigh to above the head in a centered portrait pose, hands relaxed at sides with the left hand partially visible.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.02 · w 0.84 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and lightingUniform light neutral background with soft, even studio lighting and faint soft shadows under the arms and between the legs.
- Visible secondary garmentDark blue denim high-waist shorts with a fabric belt and rectangular buckle are visible below the blouse; this item appears as a styling prop.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.56 · w 0.56 · h 0.38 (high) - Image qualitySharp focus with natural skin tones and high detail on embroidery; no visible compression artifacts.
Colors
bright white· blouse body and sleeves#F3F2F8- Collar and placketShort stand collar with a central partial button placket that extends down the upper torso; placket is a visible stitched fabric strip with small round buttons down its length.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a white long-sleeve blouse with a stand collar and a large floral Richelieu-style cutwork embroidery panel across the upper back; full sleeves gather into buttoned cuffs and the body has a straight hem that falls to the hip.
- Back embroidered cutwork yokeLarge floral embroidery with cutwork (open) areas covers the upper back yoke from shoulder to shoulder and extends downward in a scalloped shape; cutouts reveal the model's skin beneath.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.12 · w 0.66 · h 0.36 (high) - Stand collarLow stand collar sitting close to the neck, made from the same white fabric as the blouse.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.04 · w 0.24 · h 0.08 (high) - Sleeve shapeLong, full (slightly billowed) sleeves with volume through the arm that narrow toward the wrist.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.20 · w 0.30 · h 0.66 (medium); x 0.64 · y 0.20 · w 0.30 · h 0.66 (medium) - Buttoned cuffsNarrow cuffs at the wrists fastened with at least one visible small white button on each cuff.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.74 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.74 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high) - Seam detailDiagonal seam lines from the collar area toward the underarm suggest a yoke or raglan-style construction framing the embroidered panel.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.08 · w 0.52 · h 0.28 (medium) - Straight hemStraight, slightly cropped hem that sits over the top of the model's jeans with a narrow finished edge.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.72 · w 0.64 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing the model from the rear three-quarter angle against a plain light background; visible props include denim pants and jewelry.
- Shot compositionStudio photograph of a model shown from the rear with the head turned slightly to the right, framing the blouse back and sleeves centrally.
- Background and lightingEven, soft lighting on a uniform light neutral background with minimal shadows.
- Visible styling elementsModel wears medium-blue denim pants and simple hoop earring; left and right hands with rings are visible at lower frame.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.80 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high) - Image qualityCrisp image with clear detail on embroidery and fabric texture; no visible motion blur.
Colors
white· main body and embroidery#F1F1F3- Back embroidered cutwork yokeLarge floral embroidery with cutwork (open) areas covers the upper back yoke from shoulder to shoulder and extends downward in a scalloped shape; cutouts reveal the model's skin beneath.
Variants
10 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4594991 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - Black - X-Small | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594992 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - Black - Small | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594993 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - Black - Medium | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594994 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - Black - Large | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594996 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - White - X-Small | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594997 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - White - Small | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594998 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - White - Medium | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4594999 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - White - Large | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4595000 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - White - X-Large | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
| 4595004 | Richelieu Embroidery Stand-Collar Blouse - Green - Large | CA$49.95CA$99.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
6 total6 reviews · out of 5
Nice title
Great product
Blouse brodée
Tel que vu ok
Blouse
Faite dans un coton de mauvaise qualité
Cute shirt
Fits well - loose without being overly big. Cute for spring, summer and fall.
Beautiful
Beautiful and elegant
Returning it.
Its pretty but the sleeves r 2 big 4 me.