Retro Lingerie
In spite of modern society`s apparent fixation with originality and innovation, modern fashion seems to be taking more and more inspiration from the popular trends of days gone by. The classic elegance of the 40s and 50s, for example, surged back into popularity a few years ago and flattering nipped in waist-lines and peep-toe heels have remained a firm favourite with many ever since. Likewise, it`s fair to say that we`ve all noticed the reappearance of all things 80s, as there really is no getting away from the tidal wave of leggings and sequins that seems to be hitting every shop across the country.
It isn`t, however, just clothing that`s heavily influenced by the fashions of past decades – or even centuries – as retro, vintage-inspired lingerie is also a favourite of many women (and men!). Whilst continual advances in design and production techniques and the development of new materials mean that lingerie today is more comfortable and better fitting than ever before, lingerie designers are constantly looking back to the glamour of bygone eras, in doing so creating beautiful retro items designed to make every girl both look and feel like a pin-up.
One of the most obviously nods to vintage style lingerie is the ever popular corset. Perhaps surprisingly, corsets have been worn by women since the 16th century, being originally designed to encourage good posture and emphasise the bust. Though they`ve been around for centuries, the flattering design of the corset has proved to be unbeatable, as the slim-lined waist, curvaceous hips and up-lifted bust that a corset provides has never gone out of fashion! The corsets we are most familiar with today are generally an homage to those worn by the burlesque dancers of fin de siècle Paris – think Moulin Rouge, complete with rich jewel-hued satin and black lace. Oh la la!
Burlesque inspired corsets aren`t the only hint of vintage glamour in modern lingerie, however, as the fashions of the 1940s are responsible for many popular lingerie styles today. During the war years materials were scarce and with this lingerie shrunk to smaller proportions than ever seen before! It was at this time then that the world took its first glance at two-piece bra-and-knickers sets of underwear, a trend which, though borne out of necessity, became the prototype, or rather blueprint, of underwear as we know it today!
Following the austerity of the war years, the 1950s was the decade of high-glamour and decadence in terms of lingerie and the hourglass silhouette of the pinup was what every woman aspired to achieve. In the 1950s, high-waisted knickers weren`t considered grannyish, but were instead classy and elegant and ensured that at least something was left to the imagination! Today, high-waisted French knickers are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and we`re even seeing the fun frill-trimmed legs made popular over 50 years ago. Perhaps the most iconic image of 50s lingerie is, however, the suspender belt. Created back in a time before tights had been invented, suspenders and suspender belts were initially little more than practical, yet today these are seen as the height of seductive lingerie, particularly when involving seamed stockings. Other ways in which the underwear of the 1950s has influenced the lingerie we enjoy today is the use of soft satin, sailor-inspired designs and countless frills and bows as adornments!
So whatever lingerie you go for, chances are that even cheap designer underwear contains more than a little nod to the fashions of a bygone era!
