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Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear
Discover the fascinating and sometimes controversial story of underwear design from the 18th century to the present day
Discover the fascinating and sometimes controversial story of underwear design from the 18th century to the present day
This exhibition explored the intimate relationship between underwear and fashion and its role in moulding the body to a fashionable ideal, with cut, fit, fabric and decoration revealing issues of gender, sex and morality.
This exhibition is now closed at
Hold tight: the lingerie show that will take your breath away
Anna Murphy, The Times
Sponsored by
With over 80 years’ experience revolutionizing the beauty industry and allowing women to express their most glamorous selves, Revlon are thrilled to be a sponsor of the exhibition Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear. As a brand, Revlon aims to empower and celebrate women.
Sponsored by
Agent Provocateur is delighted to partner with the V&A to be the leading lingerie sponsor for the Undressed Exhibition. Founded in 1994 Agent Provocateur’s unique brand image is renowned for being provocative while celebrating and empowering women.
Exhibition highlights
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Advertising poster designed by Hans Schleger for the Charnaux Patent Corset Co. Ltd, about 1936. Courtesy of the Hans Schleger Estate -
Brixton Boyz, Jennie Baptiste, 2001. Museum no. E.971-2010, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Close Trompe l’oeil corset dress, designed by Antonio Berardi, Spring/Summer 2009, worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. © Sipa Press, REX Shutterstock -
Corset, cotton, whalebone, about 1890. Museum no. T.90-1984, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Man’s top and pants, designed by Sibling, Spring/Summer 2013. Museum no. T.86:1-2015, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Close ‘Tamila’ lingerie set from the Agent Provocateur Soirée collection, Spring/Summer 2015. Photographer Sebastian Faena, Model Eniko Mihalik
Features
Inside the Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear exhibition
Inside the Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear exhibition
Take a sneak peek inside our fascinating underwear exhibition
The 'Babydoll' slip by Carine Gilson
The 'Babydoll' slip by Carine Gilson
Lingerie designer, Carine Gilson discusses the design process behind the 'Babydoll' slip featured in the exhibition
An arctic goose down padded petticoat
An arctic goose down padded petticoat
Keeping the wearer warm has always been one of underwear’s roles
The thong
The thong
Created in reaction to Los Angeles’ ban on nude public swimming in 1974
The design process: interviews with Agent Provocateur, FiFi Chachnil and La Perla
The design process: interviews with Agent Provocateur, FiFi Chachnil and La Perla
From creation to catwalk - discover the design process of three leading fashion brands
