Lingerie

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From the crinoline to thigh highs, and from the corset to the G-string you can choose to conceal or to reveal, the important thing is to be liked and to like yourself. In this book, the history of lingerie is seen both for its elegance and from an ironic angle. Starting from the first bodices and corsets which were true instruments of constriction hidden under layers of crinolines, we come to the glittering and theatrical display of lingerie on the catwalks of the most recent fashion shows of Victoria's Secret. The century between these two extremes ushered in social changes that influenced our habits: we can see a reflection of these changes in the colourful advertising campaigns of the 20th century and enjoy comparing that retro style with today's glossy advertising. And while some past slogans may raise a smile out of amusement or nostalgia, the pictures of film stars shown "in déshabille," on or off the set, are absolutely breathtaking. Hovering precariously between modesty and provocation, lingerie remains inextricably linked with feminine evolution and reflects, better than any other garment, changes in society. ILLUSTRATIONS: 165 colour photographs