From Knitting Lingerie Style: 



This camisole was inspired by the fashions of the French Revolution, when the empire waist was all the range and a perky, high bosom was the most desirable.  Back then, women achieved this lifted look by lacing or wrapping a muslin sling under their breasts before they put their dresses on. 



Here I’ve wrapped the bodice of this silk/linen camisole in a way that garners similarly fetching results--but is as beautiful as it is functional.  The visible bust darts, surplice shaping, and ribbon lacing offer form as well as eye-catching detail, and a sheer lace stitch at the bottom adds a slimming, flirty touch.