In this empty- nest period, I have made experiencing art a staple in my
life (see Days 88 and 188) but I
never envisioned that I would be viewing
undergarments as the subject of an art exhibit! The
Frick Art and History Center always brings interesting art shows to this town
and Undressed, about the design of underwear, seemed too
unique to pass up especially when The Frick Art and History Center is the exclusive North American
venue for this exhibition organized by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum!
When you think about it, an undergarment is the closest thing to our
body and wearing "granny panties" or "a lacy something" from Victoria
Secret says something about you, so why wouldn't the evolution of underwear design say something
about our society?
Big turn out for Undressed |
Refection
We all seem to be fascinated with fashion. Just look how
much money we spend on clothing and even how much many of us are willing to spend on it
when it's made by "a name designer ". Although I am not one to buy anything because of a name, I
am intrigued by history and Undressed
illustrated how underwear reflected the change or surprisingly the unchanged, views
in our society about body image and
beauty.
History of underwear -left is the band used by men |
the cage |
In the 1800's women wore “cages” made of ribs to accent the swaying of their
hips and bustles to accent the buttock. In fact, cloth puffs and metal extenders were used to produce the desired backside protruding
silhouette in women. This all looked quite uncomfortable but when you think about it,
women today still go to extremes with the use of silicone butt injections.
Societal pressures for women to have a certain “desired” outward appearance really
has not changed much.
The show had sections dedicated to the evolution of the
bra and the girdle. It was not until 1930 that undergarments separated the breasts like the modern bra.
Today we have the push- up bra but there was even a “bra extender” in 1913!
Undergarments as Temptation and Relaxation |
Undressed illustrated how underwear for both men and women, was designed for athletes, staying warm, relaxation and temptation. I enjoyed viewing the 1860 goose down petticoat, ornate silk stocking from the World Fair, and the section on undergarments used as outerwear. My favorite piece in the show was of course the Sicilian crafted 2013 basket dress from designer Dolce and Gabbana which reminded me of the "cage".
I sure underestimated (no pun intended) the beauty, craftsmanship
and thought provocation of underwear. It does say something about us!
(Undressed at
the Frick Art and History Center runs until
January 14, 2018, tickets here)
Other Sources
http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/
http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/