CULTURE

Photos: I See London, I See France…

A new exhibition reveals the history of lingerie

by Nancy MacDonell

Poirette Bra

1

Corset, silk, circa 1770, Europe.

2

Corset, wool, silk, cotton, steel, circa 1880, France.

3

The M.A. Spencer Company corset, circa 1898.

4

Fernande Burel tea gown, chiffon, silk, and lace, circa 1900, France.

5

Bra, silk and lace, circa 1923, USA.

6

Nightgown, silk georgette, lace, satin, circa 1930, USA.

7

Poirette bra, nylon lace, 1949, USA. Christian Dior, petticoat, nylon net, taffeta, and horsehair net, 1951, France.

8

Iris nightgown, printed nylon, circa 1950, USA.

9

Warner’s Corselet, circa 1960, Merry Widow line, USA.

10

Rudi Gernreich “no bra” and half slip, sheer nylon, printed nylon, circa 1965, USA.

11

Valerie Porr lounging pajamas, printed silk, 1976, USA.

12

Patricia Fieldwalker teddy, silk charmeuse, lace, circa 1985, USA.

13

Jean Yu bra and panty set, silk chiffon, grosgrain ribbon, spring 2005, USA.