GET UNDRESSED WITH HISTORY
The highly-anticipated exhibition at the V&A is opening soon! (Picture source: The Guardian)
We're really excited about the forthcoming V&A exhibition which focuses on our number one favourite thing, lingerie. It's been on the cards for a while now having been first announced back in November and 'Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear' is set to be one of the most talked about exhibitions of the year.
Opening its doors on Saturday 16th April, the exhibition promises to explore lingerie through the decades, looking at the practicalities of underwear and its role in the fashionable wardrobe whilst highlighting its sensual and sexual appeal. In anticipation, we thought we'd look back at some of the most iconic moments in modern lingerie history. We've already got our tickets so make sure you get yours too, plus keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive competition we'll be running!
MARILYN THE LINGERIE MODEL (1945)
Before she was a super star on the Hollywood scene, Marilyn Monroe put her famous curves to good use and starred in numerous lingerie advertising campaigns. In the 40's, the adverts were painted by hand! It's safe to say she definitely carved out her role as one of the leading ladies of lingerie as both a model and an actress.
Source: Stylist
LIZ TAYLOR'S SLIP (1954)
One of the most iconic images in cinematic history is this sultry and sexy pose from Liz Taylor in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof', as she played the Oscar-nominated Maggie 'the Cat' Pollitt and lounged around on a boudoir-esque bed in a simple chic white slip and heels. Divine...
Source: Guardian
BETTY THE PIN UP (1950S)
While most women were in girdles, there was one woman breaking the rules. Notorious pin-up girl Bettie Page made her name wearing rather more risque lingerie and whips, rubber and bondage gear were regular accessories. This was one woman who certainly knew what she wanted...
Source: Stylist
DISCO PANTS (1974)
The cover of Roxy Music's Country Life album featured two models wearing decadent, disco-inspired lingerie that was representative of the glitterball-filled dancing everybody was doing. It was deemed super rude and even the Dutch banned it.
Source: Guardian
PERK & POINTY (1990)
Of course we couldn't look at modern lingerie history without paying homage to the Queen of pop, Madonna, who in the height of her career, ushered in a new way of wearing underwear... as outerwear, of course. Styling up stage outfits like this one from her Blonde Ambition tour, which was styled by Jean Paul Gaultier, she made her mark on pointy bras that will be forever etched in lingerie history.
Source: Stylist
