Incendiary: A History of Red Lingerie

By ELLEN LEWIS

Dita Von Teese overwire bra at the Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsDita Von Teese overwire bra

Recently, I was contacted by Summer Lee, guest curator of The Underpinnings Museum. She asked me if I would be interested in seeing their new digital exhibition, “Incendiary: A History of Red Lingerie”. Examining the fashion and social perceptions of the color red in European and American women’s lingerie, this presentation will be available to view on Valentine’s Day.

Marika Vera Knickers at The Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsMarika Vera Knickers

I was intrigued not only by the subject, but the mission of the Underpinnings Museum itself. So, I decided to pursue the matter.

The concept is close to my heart: first because, like Lingerie Briefs, it is an on-line digital exposition dedicated to Lingerie and second, because curating is what we also do. Whereas we comb the current market for the best intimate merchandise, The Underpinnings Museum strives to research and document the history of underwear. Both platforms use modern technology to tell their stories.

Pop Antique ribbon corset Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsPop Antique Ribbon Corset

Launching February 14, this exhibit examines the fashion and social perceptions of the color red in European and American women’s lingerie. Summer asks the question…

“Year after year, lingerie retailers roll out the color red for Valentine’s Day, and the reason why is clear: red is the color of love and passion. But was red lingerie always the symbol of lust that it is today? When did it gain its “devilish” reputation, and what lies ahead?”

Emiah draped corset at The Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsEmiah draped corset

For this particular showcase, Summer has traced the history and symbolism of red lingerie, and its journey from commonplace to coquettish; saucy to sexy; and finally, into a catalyst for self-confidence and empowerment. The exhibition is categorized into sections “Antique Red,” “Siren Red,” and “Power Red,” with spectacular museum pieces dating from the 1860s to 2017.

La Perla Black Label at The Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsLa Perla Black Label

I might also add that red lingerie has evolved, becoming mainstream, particularly in the bra and panty categories. Invisible, even under a white blouse, it has been filtered into many underwear wardrobes, a silent, secret salute to personal power.

Sian Hoffman corset Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsSian Hoffman Corset

The pieces presented here join a growing cadre of beautiful intimates dedicated to the evolution of underwear throughout history.

Summer’s work on this gallery project will be enhanced by a live webinar event with the New York Adventure Club on February 15th about nearly 500 years of red lingerie history

1880s La Huri Maternity Corsetat the Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie Briefs1880s La Huri Maternity Corset

Agent Provocateur corset at Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie Briefs1990’s Agent Provocateur corset

1P960's Parisienne quarter cup bra as featured on Lingerie Briefs1960’s Parisienne quarter cup bra

Dark Garden sweetheart corset at Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsDark Garden sweetheart corset

Pillowbook Lingerie Dudou at Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie BriefsPillowbook Lingerie Dudou

1860's corset Underpinnings Museum as featured on Lingerie Briefs1860’s Corset

Summer Lee contributed to this article:
summerannelee@gmail.com
@summerannelee

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