Some of you may be aware that during August I took the opportunity to participate in a 'Fashion Journalism' course with the Vogue news-editor, Scarlett Conlon. During the day, not only did she give us a talk on her job sector, but also accompanied the group to the exhibition, 'Undressed' at the Victoria and Albert museum.
Afterwards, we took our scandalous tinged ideas back to the group and typed up an individual piece about the exhibit. My idea for the piece was to describe the scene and then talk about the provocative (or not so) history of underwear and whether the display was perhaps too racy? Here is a section of my writing that I produced during the day.
'Undressed' delves into the history of underwear from the 18th Century pantaloons, to the present day pants, exploring the influential role fashion had on underwear. However, was the unseen past an assumed provocative one, or simply uncomfortable?
Fashion has shaped the world of underwear, forcing the sector to adapt the lacy layers in a way which would present the male and female body accordingly to fit the model standards of the time. Unfortunately, a Kim Kardashian hourglass does not come naturally to all of us and neither does a 70s flat chest and limited curves, but 'Undressed' comforts us in underwear that can offer such assistance, even it pains us. Beauty has in fact previously meant pain and not a practical one either. See corsets, or the current 'Waist-Trainers'.
Boxers, briefs, and bras were consistently presented with style, but was the exhibition a little too racy for the Victoria and Albert Museum? We are all familiar with the concept of undergarments however, some have suggested that a sugarcoat on the more sexy displays was necessary, or at least an age limit. Moreover, should it not be more important in culture to be knowledgeable in surprising topics, rather than take an immature approach. Though it may have been the alluring thongs that encouraged parents to guide their young children away from particular rooms, is it now not fashionable to see underwear styled as a surprising outerwear garment. Designers of this style include Antionio Berardi and his Close Trompe L'oeil corset monochrome dress from 2009, delicately worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. Therefore are the new generation already comfortable with lingerie through the assistance of media and fashion?