Simone Pérèle ~ A Feminist Legacy

November 7, 2018

By ELLEN LEWIS

Yesterday, I watched the new documentary on Netflix, “Feminists: What Were They Thinking?”. It stirred some hardcore memories of the culture in which I came of age. It is set in the 1970’s when powerful female voices emerged to rally the call for social equality. The story centers on Cynthia MacAdam’s book, Emergence, her photography of women who have been instrumental in the struggle for Women’s Rights. These images portray women who felt the freedom to be what they were. Constrained by a “Mad Men” culture, they discuss the challenges confronted as they went for broke to claim their own sense of self. While I was watching the broadcast, I thought, there have been women on this slow walk to liberation for decades before this particular story began. These were individuals, like those featured in this film, who sought to provide a way to empower women. Of course they inhabited every walk of life, but in the world of lingerie, Simone Pérèle is a prescient example.

In 1948 Simone Pérèle stepped out of the current design credo and launched her eponymous brand with a vision of personal freedom. No more constrictive corsets; rather a collection of beautiful intimates that comfortably embrace a woman’s natural curves. Simone Pérèle has long been equated with a confident, modern woman who is not at all afraid to put herself out there. The 1948 collection is homage to Simone Pérèle’s dream. Nine styles, intricately embroidered combined with satin and lace, celebrate the brand’s legacy. Noteworthy are the tiny bird details because they are a motif most likely appreciated by a woman, not a man. Delivering this month, these bras and panties, as well as the showstopper bustier are available 32-38, B-F cups and XS – XL panties. When does a force become a legend? I think 70 years of Savoir Faire deserves noting.