The History of Undergarments

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word Lingerie? Lace, silk, or sheer fabrics with sexually appealing style lines and finishes usually come to mind when we refer to the term. In this century, Lingerie has been made out to be much more than how it started. But let’s take a quick look into the history of this industry; sometimes looking backward can help you understand how and why we’re moving forward.

Lingerie was worn and created with 3 basic purposes: To help with hygiene, to alter a woman’s outer body shaping, and for modesty. It wasn’t until the 19^th century that Lingerie became much more visually appealing. During this time, undergarments such as the corset became a lot smaller in size and shape and became a lot less bulky. The 20^th century was a little more daring as the industry began to experiment with the overall shape of the undergarments.

The Corset

Can you believe that today, there are over 45 types of undergarments classified as Lingerie? And most of these items usually incorporate fabrics such as Lycra, lace, polyester, silk, nylon, and satin! It’s interesting that despite all the changes in life, technology and the world over the past few centuries, the main purposes for Lingerie today are not much different than how and why Lingerie began to be such an important part of our every day lives. We still wear our undergarments to assist in giving us the type of shape, hold, or lift that we desire, except now the selection is so diverse, that we are able to choose whatever style we want for ourselves.

We also wear many of our undergarments to assist in personal hygiene, like helping create a buffer between your sensitive skin and your clothing.  (Natural fibers like bamboo and cotton come into play here, with hygienic properties like moisture absorbency, breathability – and bamboo is naturally antibacterial!) And, although some people have decided that modesty is over-rated and do not wish to wear undergarments for that purpose, many wear their undergarments for a mental comfort. The major change in the industry regardless of the purpose of the undergarment, has most definitely been the level of comfort of which the design, fabrics and shape has been given during production. There are so many different shapes and sizes, colors, fabrics, care instructions, and inner materials used so that the consumer can choose which of these things are most important to them at the time of purchasing.

The Perfect Fit

So what’s new to the lingerie industry?  The standard on fit. This system started in the UK and is very quickly becoming an important industry standard all over North America and the US. Basically, this entails the notion that anyone working in any Lingerie store will be able to properly size and fit any customer who walks through the door prior to purchasing. This is a system that was used primarily in smaller, more expensive boutique type Lingerie stores to enhance the over-all experience.  Now it has become so crucial to people’s lives that they have undergarments that are comfortable and fit properly to their body type and figure, even the bigger retail stores are inheriting this method; soon it will be a mandatory standard.  (The Bra Doctor approves.)

It is interesting to take a quick look into the history, to be reminded of things that are taken so easily for granted since they are just naturally a part of our every day lives.  Now that we have taken a glance at how it all began we are able to appreciate the advancements and all the industry changes that are even still adapting and working to take effect! This is certainly one industry that will forever be changing, growing, and learning from its past – for our benefit!

In which direction do you think the lingerie industry is going next?

Comment here below, e-mail me, or share it with us on Twitter and Facebook!

Kathryn

kathryn@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo Credits and Sources: 

Historic Eras of Undergarments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingerie

Photo-The history of undergarments
http://www.ranksmercantile.com/product_info.php?cPath=14&products_id=176

Photo-The Corset
http://karleeaturner.blogspot.com/

Photo-The Perfect Fit
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=2978-full-fashion-strapless-underwire-bra-triumph-lingerie

Featured Image – Kestos Vintage Poster
http://www.theadgallery.co.uk/Kestos-They-walk-in-beauty-1930s 

If you are looking to update your closet, it’s the go-to texture for any season, any occasion. Lace is delicate, yet durable-somehow managing the stress of the harsher wash cycle when you accidentally throw a pair of lace panties in with the darks.

It’s affordable, flirty, and fun-nothing works like lace when you want to dress up a plain pair of panties or a ho-hum white bra. Lace is also easily accessible-it’s everywhere, and it’s something that both you and your significant other can agree looks fantastic on you, with the lights on or off.

The Bra Doctor Brigitte Collection's Hot Bra and Panty Set.

Fortunately, lace is making a comeback.  Lace isn’t what you only see on your granny’s section of the intimate apparel department-it’s showing up on runway shows, junior clothing, and in the raciest lingerie ads that you see on TV. Lace reminds us that women are delicate, yet strong, creatures that deserve to be pampered and adored.

Lace has been around for hundreds of years-and women from all cultures around the globe are dressed in the frilly material. The material looks good on almost everyone-no matter how old you are, the color of your skin, your height, or your frame. Lace makes an excellent accessory to almost any outfit-from bridal attire to even pajamas!

Vicky Chemise, found on nowthatslingerie.com

Lace has shown us that the fabric isn’t going anywhere for a long time. Make sure that you show off both your haute couture side, and your classical one, by investing in lace.

Questions? Comment below, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or email us!

Jenn

jenn@nowthatslingerie.com

Photo Credits:

Bra and Panties from the Bra Doctor’s Brigitte Collection-http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=4002b-brigitte-sheer-lacy-underwired-full-cup-bra-bra-doctor-lingerie

Vicky Chemise- http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=8125-vicky-lined-lacy-nightgown-arianne-lingerie

Featured top image:

Fuschia bra from Triumph http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=1838-push-up-collection-lacy-push-up-bra-triumph-lingerie

Sweetest Sin Lace bra by Blush http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/en/details.php?id=222308-sweetest-sin-semi-sheer-lace-balconette-underwire-bra-blush-lingerie

Walking the walk along Miami Beach

While Las Vegas seems the most popular ‘guy’s destination’ for weekend getaways, Miami has become the girls’ equivalent. It’s the ideal place to relax poolside, indulging in pampering at the spa (there’s one at each of  the most fashionable hotels), cocktails at sundown (don’t they taste better in a balmy, tropical paradise?), and dancing through the night (there are usually nightclubs at the trendiest hotels too). And like all the girls who vacation in Miami it’s the best place to try out your teeniest summer dresses and miniscule bikinis, nothing looks too wild or out of place! It’s really a lot of fun for groups of girls – many of the bigger sea front hotels are resort-like with fully serviced poolside loungers, private beach areas, bars, 5 star restaurants, spas and nightclubs so you never have to leave the premises – perfect if you’re there for a limited time.

For dinner or cocktails dresses are worn short and colorful, and as the evening progresses and the nightclubs open the outfits get way shorter – so be prepared to bare some (hopefully bronzed) leg and be sure to wear decent undies if you’re going this short! The shoes are ‘skyscraper high’, either wedge or platform heels – not so good after a few cocktails!

Shocking pink is everywhere, from bikinis and cover-ups to tank tops and t-shirt dresses. I spied a girl poolside looking stunning in a shocking pink floor-length chiffon kaftan over a white bikini. There were printed ‘mini’ belted kimonos which looked adorable as bikini cover-ups worn with high wedge sandals. Little vintage style slip dresses in fine cotton with ruffled necklines and tiered hems looked sweet and very ‘Boho’ accessorized with jeweled thong sandals.

Many of the bikinis the girls were wearing were deliberately mismatched with a different top and bottom – which is how they’ve  been sold to us by designers for a couple of seasons and it’s obviously caught on. Many prints or solids were boldly edged with contrasting color print trim, like checks on florals, and there were lots of big geometric prints and stripes, ruffles and ruching, all in bold bright colors, and of course there were plenty of what Miami is well known for: ‘the Brazilian’ bikini bottoms – only for the super confident and very tanned!

Have fun checking out the looks I’ve put together and let’s look forward to some fun in the sun!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

All fashions from Net-A-Porter: NET-A-PORTER.COM | Luxury Designer Fashion | Women’s designer clothes, shoes, bags & accessories

Title image from America Trek: America Trek: South Beach-Miami Beach

Alexander Wang Spring Summer 2011

New York fashion darling Alexander Wang presented a fresh all-white, deconstructed collection, a huge departure for the “Prince of Downtown Darkness”, known for his love of black. “I was looking for something optimistic, something pure”, he said.

Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2011

Dolce & Gabbana showed a beautiful almost all-white collection too, their inspiration being a “hope Chest”, things new and handed down that a bride might pack before she sets off on a new chapter in her life. The duo’s familiar retro sexy lingerie revealed beneath sheer lace dresses isn’t necessarily the look we’d like to wear to the traditional Sunday family get-together, but makes for a chic style ideal for evenings out.

In fact white’s unavoidable transparency is an eternal dilemma that can have dire consequences for the bashfully unaware. We’ve all seen plenty of bra backs and cups fully visible beneath white tops, and visible panty lines are almost expected. But help is at hand! Here are some of my favorite essential “underpinnings” for light colored clothing, inspired by Now That’s Lingerie!

The 800 Glamour Antistatic Slip by Grenier - available in white too.

The 800 Glamour Antistatic Slip By Grenier is perfect under a sheer white dress. It has lots of advantages, not only is it antistatic and will eliminate any clinging, but it can be worn under a strapless dress: attach it to your own favorite strapless bra with it’s cleverly concealed hooks. The interior molded bra cup gives complete opacity and together with a supportive underbust elastic you won’t even need to wear a bra underneath it. The smooth lace overlay on the bodice gives plenty of coverage and a very pretty neckline too!

For a more casual everyday look the Elita Metropolis Cotton Built Up Strap Camisole with supporting shelf bra is ideal for this Summer’s layering looks. It can be worn without a bra, but the wide straps and double front will also conceal and smooth out any incidental bra lines. Also take a peak at Elita’s Bamboo Camisole with shelf bra.

The 4553 Elita Metropolis Cotton Built Up Strap Camisole with built in shelf bra

The very versatile and lacy Shaping Camisole from Triumph’s Shape Sensation collection is made from lightweight and breathable fabrics and fits like a second skin. In natural skin tone ‘Caramello’ it’s perfect to wear as a discreet layer beneath any sheer summer blouse. Click here to see other shaping garments from Triumph’s Shape Sensation line.

To avoid any embarrassing rear end fashion mishaps I’d recommend Elita’s Les Essentials Boyleg Brief. With full rear end coverage they’re like an opaque lining beneath any white pants and the longer seamless leg line will give you a lovely smooth derriere.

Elita's Les Essentials Boyleg Brief - eliminate those 'white pant' VPL's

So stride with confidence in your all whites, with a little help from Now That’s Lingerie!

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Catwalk images from style.com:    http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2011RTW/

Macrame Bikini, 1970s, The Costume Institute, New York

The seventies were a retro-fuelled decade style-wise; the decadent accoutrements of the roaring twenties and glamorous thirties inspired high fashion and street style alike. The seventies woman was uninhibited in flaunting her body; fashions were skimpy and revealing.

Thanks to the Punk subculture, fashions took on a trashy, dark and deathly look in the decade.  One has to look no further than the photographs of Guy Bourdin or Helmut Newton to see this sexy yet sinister aesthetic at work.  There was a lot of black and lacy lingerie inspired by this trend; by the end of the decade, the design of bras seemed to take cues from retro styling, using padding and leopard prints (think Debbie Harry during her Blondie days).

Elsa Peretti by Helmut Newton, 1975

Disco also had a profound impact on fashion in the seventies.  Shiny, flashy fabrics were everywhere for nightlife dressing, and many bras resembled the sexy, spaghetti strapped gowns that were so trendy.  These bras were quite risqué and skimpy; since the fashions revealed so much of the body, the lingerie had to as well.

Many of the fabrics used for draped evening gowns were soft and clingy knits; bras had to be inconspicuous under these body conscious fabrics.  Subtle pastel shades, browns and beiges were common colors for bras, probably to match and blend into skin tones.  If you think of the fashions of Halston, for example, you can really appreciate how lingerie had to be simple, soft and hidden from view.

Of course, a perfectly toned body was essential to the fashions of this era.  The seventies saw the start of the fitness craze that would reach its peak in the 1980s.  Sports bras and other athletic undergarments grew in popularity as more and more women hit the gym to be beautiful.

Halston with his Models, 1970s

We seem to be stuck in a seventies retro style that has been popular for several years now. In my opinion, brands like Calvin Klein, Grenier Lingerie and Eva Lingerie tend to favor producing lines with a seventies look (the lace, the soft cups, the sheer fabrics). Check out these brands and more at www.nowTHATSlingerie.com!

f3135 Envy Lace Triangle Bra by Calvin Klein

Want to learn more about a current or past fashion trend? Ask me at alexis@nowthatslingerie.com and it could be the topic of my next blog!

Amulette's "Joie" Collection, Spring/Summer 2011

Hello There!

I am delighted to announce that peaches, pinks and oranges, some of my summer favourites, have absolutely dominated the runway and covered the pages of lingerie catalogues this season. As a woman with a warm, “Autumn” skin tone (learn about your skin tone here!) and one who loves to dye her hair, the warm undertones in corals and oranges compliment my golden freckles and green eyes, my natural hair colour – light brown –and the bright red shades I like to try on every once in a while. For women with cool complexions, rosy pinks, peaches and coral shades that fall into the “neutral” category are equally as complimentary of blue or rosy undertones and chestnut or blonde hair colours. I would say the greatest thing about this palette is how universally flattering it is!

Amulette's "Romance" Collection, Spring/Summer 2011

One lovely brand that has picked up on this beautiful summer colour trend is Amulette lingerie. In dreamy laces and flowing chiffons, Amulette’s spring/summer 2011 collections are ultra-feminine, yet bold, in eye-catching patterns and bright colours. The new “Joie” collection features a number of dainty “Bralets” in some stunning colour combos. Pink, peach and orange are mixed together with dark plum in Bralet 1121006 and Babydoll 1021010 for a cooler touch, while Bralet 1121008 combines fuchsia and orange for a warmer look with a modern edge. The “Joie” Bralet 1121010 and matching “little thong” in one beautiful coral colour can go either way!

Amulette’s “Romance” collection offers some equally beautiful pieces in softer, muted peach tones. For any recessionistas seeking a vintage, antiquated look, a warm peach colour provides a sure throwback to the Roaring 20s, while floral laces in a cool, dusty beige (bustier 2121017 and its companion the “French Knicker”) are evocative of a dreamy, turn-of-the-century scene in lovely France.

Thrill Me Peach Plum Balcony Bra and Thong from Showgirl by Curvy Kate

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UK Plus-Sized brand, Curvy Kate, available in cup sizes D-K, has also taken part in the season’s colour trend, featuring some absolutely gorgeous coral pieces in their “Showgirl” collection! The Thrill Me Peach Plum Balcony Bra-and-Thong set, made from bright and shiny satin with a black mesh overlay, is supportive, sophisticated and fun. An even sexier, va-va-va-VOOM look can be found in the Tempt Me Black Scarlet pieces, hot pink pieces with their black lace panels.

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Tempt Me Black Scarlet Showgirl Bra and High-waisted Brief by Curvy Kate

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Finally, from the Spanish runway, Andres Sarda’s Spring/Summer 2011 lingerie collection, made up of mostly neutral shades, featured show-stopping, head-turning punches of colour in hot pinks and corals, such as the bra and panty set featured below.

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Image from Andres Sarda, Spring/Summer 2011 Online Catalogue

So there you have it, darling readers – something for everyone in this summers’ fashion trends!

Wishing you a lovely week, and until next time!

Rachel

http://www.curvykate.com/curvykate-lingerie-collections-ss2011.php

http://www.andressarda.com/ss11/

http://www.amulettelingerie.com/

A Warner's bra from 1962

By the 1950′s new, well designed bras appeared , made by companies such as Maidenform, Berlei, Loveable, Warner’s, Silhouette and Playtex, and they were perfect worn under the new tight fitting sweater styles in fashion at the time. Long line bras descending to the waist were very popular to keep the midriff in control. It was possible to smooth away lumps and bumps with power elastic or rubber foundation garments termed ‘reducers’. It was common to wear a long line bra with a girdle, hopefully overlapping somewhere in the middle for maximum coverage and slimming effect.

Warner's 1950's Long Line Bra

Then bra cups were developed with a fine layer of foam bonded to the lace fabric giving it more form and retaining the cup’s fashionably ‘pointy’ look. The “Torpedo” look of the 50′s was softened and the padded bra was born. But it was Fredericks of Hollywood who introduced the first “push up bra” in 1948, cheekily named “The Rising Sun”.

Vintage WonderBra ad (CNW Group/WonderBra)

In 1964 a Canadian designer called Louise Poirier created the original WonderBra with it’s three part precision angled cups and removable pads called “cookies“. This forerunner for today’s WonderBra “lifted and supported the bust to create a dramatic cleavage”. But the 60′s also brought the rise of the feminist movement promoting the burning of bras and the popularity of waif like models such as Twiggy, leading to bra designs that were as unobtrusive and discreet as possible (Warner’s 1969 “Invisible Bra”). That natural look continued throughout the 70′s, and era during which even nipple protrusion was viewed as normal.

1970's 'Nipple Bra'

Stretch satin bra set from 1971

The Sleek Underneath Shaping Bra by Warner's - a very modern bra

Meanwhile the WonderBra soldiered on with modest but unspectacular success. In the early 1990′s demand suddenly intensified, breasts were in again and women were looking at every single push up and plunge bra on the market. Bras were booming and the industry leaped to new levels in the quest for cleavage using water, air and silicone pads, anything to boost the bust. We have all kinds of foam innovations and bonding techniques today that make our bras almost unrecognizable from their predecessors.

Enjoy browsing padded or non-padded bras, corsets shapewear and more on  nowthatslingerie.com

Teresa

teresa@nowthatslingerie.com

Vintage WonderBra ad from CNW:WONDERBRA | 70 years of wonder – WonderBra Celebrates 70 Years of Innovative Designs

Warner’s 1962 ad from AdClassix.com: 1962 Warner Bra Vintage Print Ad

Other images from my own collection

Here are my top five trend picks from the fall 2011 runways.

1. Fetishism

There was an overall hard-edged look to many styles for autumn; clothes were structured, very fitted, and often inspired by the rigorous tailoring of menswear. Black was everywhere: in somber woolens at Chanel, slick leathers at Alexander Wang, and even some latex at Marc Jacobs.  His Louis Vuitton collection was the most fetishy of all; inspired by the kinky film The Night Porter, the show featured silhouettes combining maids and military uniforms.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2011

2. Sheer Fabrics

Sexiness was definitely a trend across the board, and what better way to be seductive than to show some skin! At Givenchy models paraded in black sheer blouses with severe and modern black bras underneath. Dolce & Gabbana, the kings of lingerie dressing, presented several dresses with strategically placed sheer lace panels, and lacy bras peeking out of necklines.  Finally, Stella McCartney’s collection included fabulous sheer dresses and jumpsuits adorned with embroidered polka-dots.  Lace, chiffons, organzas, and nets were all seen on the runways. 3. Animalism

Many designers were tapping into their wild side for fall. Prada showed a beastly collection; dresses and coats were adorned with wild, colorful furs and large, fish scale-like paillettes.  Several Alexander McQueen ensembles were adorned with white ostrich feathers, while one lavender dress was crafted from strips of lavender chiffon distressed to give a feathery texture.  Animal prints were everywhere; from panther heads on Givenchy dresses, to tiger at Dolce & Gabbana, and snakeskin at Gucci and Chloe.

Givenchy Fall 2011

4. Retro Styles

Designers have been feeling retro moments for quite a while now, and fall 2011 was no exception. Miu Miu’s feminine collection, for example, was like stepping into the pages of a World War II era Vogue magazine.  Marc Jacobs, a lover of all things vintage, chose to focus on the late fifties, with his girls in prim berets and tightly fitted hourglass silhouettes.  Many other decades were referenced as well such as Gucci’s seventies homage, and Rodarte’s Edwardian farm girls.

Miu Miu Fall 2011

5. Vivid Colors

In stark contrast to all of the black, many designers chose to show silhouettes cut in brilliant, jeweled colors, especially a rich jade green (seen at Gucci, Pucci, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler, and Louis Vuitton).  Saturated and rich color is definitely in; think magentas, reds, yellows, and dark purple.

Gucci Fall 2011

What did you think of the fall collections?  Any likes or dislikes?  Please feel free to comment, or email me at alexiswalker@nowthatslingerie.com

All images taken from www.style.com

Stella McCartney Fall 2011

Dolce&Gabbana Fall 2010

To wear a Christian Dior gown in the 1950s meant you had to have the corresponding Dior undergarments to give you the right proportions. Without them, the silhouette of the dress just didn’t work.

Flash forward to today, where Italian design dynamos Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana work in a similar, yet contemporary manner to old Mr. Dior. Since their debut in the late eighties, practically every Dolce&Gabbana collection features silhouettes whose foundation is dead sexy, retro-inspired lingerie. The lacy hem of a silk slip peeks out under a razor-sharp tailored suit, or a black satin corset is revealed under a sheer, lingerie like dress, for example.  Dolce&Gabbana’s trademark is a curious juxtaposition of flash, fetish, and sophistication. As with Christian Dior before them, Dolce&Gabbana’s clothes require the proper style of undergarments to look their best.

Triumph Lingerie 1948 Comfort Curves Seamless Bra

The lingerie designed by Dolce&Gabbana is unique and instantly recognizable.  Animal prints, for example, have become a house classic, as has black satin and intricate laces. As for shapes, the strapless corselet and balconette style bra are revisited and reconfigured again and again.  Finally, the undergarments of the 1950s are a huge source of inspiration for the duo; you can always find structured cone shaped bras and high-waisted panties (modeled on the foundation

Triumph Lingerie 3309 Petites Embroidered Balconette

undergarments of that decade).  Their lingerie, combined with their fashions, makes me think of a Sicilian housewife who is, on one hand, a conservative Catholic matriarch, while at the same time harboring naughty hidden desires beneath the surface.

As we are all aware, high-fashion lingerie comes with a high price tag, and not many people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on their knickers!  It is easy, however, to incorporate the look of the Dolce&Gabbana sexiness into your existing wardrobe.  All you need is a fabulous balconette bra or corselet (preferably with black lace or leopard print) to wear underneath a semi-sheer black blouse. If this look is too revealing for some, pair your sheer blouse with a tailored, black skirt or pantsuit and you will have captured the elegant kink of the Italian fashion mavericks.

I hope you like the work of Dolce&Gabbana as much as I do!  Please email me at alexiswalker@nowthatslingerie.com with any questions or comments.

Dolce&Gabbana Milan Spring

Information Sources

www.style.com

Featured image: Looks from Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2010 women’s ready-to-wear runway collection during Milan Fashion Week. Photo credit: Peter Stigter and Jonas Gustavsson / For The Times

During the Victorian Era, a time of romanticism and sentimentality, mourning the dead became an important ritual in society.  If a close family member died, a woman could be in mourning for up to 2.5 years, and was expected to wear dark clothes, accessories, and of course, undergarments.  Due to shorter life expectancies, a woman could be in mourning, and therefore black fashion, for years.

Bra Doctor Lingerie 7602 Marianne Balconette Bra Doctor

As with all things Victorian, there was a bit of a paradox to the ‘widow’s weeds.’ A woman was expected to live a cloistered, celibate life after her husband’s death (much like a nun), yet a widow, if she chose, could move much more freely in society than an unmarried woman.

Some widows, while observing the mourning ritual by wearing black, wore elaborate up-to-date fashions and accoutrements .  It’s quite deviant to think of these women indulging in sensual silks and laces at a time when one should be mourning the dead!  Black clothes, and therefore the black corsets and under things worn with them, became fetish objects loaded with ideas of sexual provocation deviance, and death.

Blush Lingerie 218041 French Lesson Lace Pushup Corset

The silver screen starlets of the early twentieth century further added to the sinister allure of black knickers.  The ‘vamps’ of the twenties and thirties, and the film noir ‘femme fatales’ of the forties were sexual vampires, feeding off the weakness of men.  These dangerous  sirens were often dressed all in black : think of Ava Gardner “setting the world on fire” in The Killers from 1946.

These spider women were bold, empowered predators who used their bodies to entwine men into their devious plans.  It’s no surprise that black lingerie was an essential part of their seduction; their dark knickers were a visual reminder of the source of their dominance, and their sexual power. The poor men never stood a chance…..

Triumph Lingerie 1932 Lace Sensation Padded Bra

Of course, we can’t forget about the fifties!  By this time black lingerie took on a refined and chic . The 1950s is the decade of the Little Black Dress after all, and it was necessary to wear black undergarments underneath your Dior or Balenciaga LBD!  There was still a naughtiness to fifties lingerie. Warner’s released a bestselling corselet in 1955 aptly named ‘The Merry Widow,’ which brings us back to the beginning!

Info sources:

Jill Fields, An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie and Sexuality

Ava Gardner, Ava: My Story

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/femme_fatale#20th_century_film_and_theatre