The exhibition “Undressed: a Brief History of Underwear”, which will open on the 16th March 2016, will address the practicalities of underwear and its role in the fashionable wardrobe whilst highlighting its sensual, sexual appeal. One of underwear’s primary roles is to support, firm and shape the body to create the ideal body shape and substructure for the latest fashions. The exhibition will explore dress reformers and designers such as Paul Poiret, who argued for the beauty of the natural body, as well as entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators who have played a critical role in the development of increasingly more effective and comfortable underwear. On display will be over 200 objects for men and women together with fashion plates, photographs and film, advertisements and packaging to introduce changing concepts of the ideal body.

For more information, please visit Victoria and Albert Museum.

Photo: Corset of satin with hand-made bobbin lace, possibly made in England, 1890-1895. Collection Victoria and Albert Museum, all rights reserved.