Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear will open at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London on 13th April. "Rosette Cheeks (exploded and capped)" is included in both the exhibition and the accompanying catalogue. Mel aka Strumpet would have been over the moon if she were here, although no doubt that broad smile is beaming from somewhere.
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| Rosette Cheeks (exploded and capped) by STRUMPET & PINK. 100% pure silk chiffon. Image courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum, London |
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| Corset of satin with handmade bobbin lace, possibly made in England 1890-1895 |
"This exhibition will address the practicalities of underwear and its role in the fashionable wardrobe whilst highlighting its sensual, sexual appeal. One of underwear’s primary roles is to support, firm and shape the body to create the ideal body shape and substructure for the latest fashions. The exhibition will explore dress reformers and designers such as Paul Poiret, who argued for the beauty of the natural body, as well as entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators who have played a critical role in the development of increasingly more effective and comfortable underwear. On display will be over 200 objects for men and women together with fashion plates, photographs and film, advertisements and packaging to introduce changing concepts of the ideal body."
