Although women's fashion is constantly changing as a whole, the evolution of the brassiere from the 1950's to the present reflect both the shifting concept of a 'perfect' female body and feminist reactions against societal traditions.
This shift in style can be traced through the iconic female celebrities of each decade leading up to the early 2000's, and was likely the result of changing societal attitudes towards "free love" and plastic surgery.
The first paragraph will talk about the 1950's, Marilyn Monroe, "The Sweater Girls", and how postwar attitudes affected women's bra styles. The second, will be about the 1960's, with Twiggy and the 'no bra' era that accompanied the Sexual Revolution. The 1970's shows the first shifts towards bigger breasts as a result of the recent legalization/refinement of breast enhancement surgery...I still need to find a bra that represents this. Apparently there was a "nipple bra," which is pretty weird, popularized by Farrah Fawcett.
The 1980's and 1990's become a little obscure, though, because there is a distinct return to older undergarment fashion trends, with Madonna and her cone bra, and Cyndi Lauper and the corset-like basque. I was thinking of incorporating the emergence of Victoria’s Secret in the 1990’s, and how their bras have become increasingly more padded and inclined toward larger breasts.
I was also going to note that the 1980’s were the time of the shoulder pads, so breasts were accentuated to soften that rather masculine look. This was the decade of “power dressing,” whether it was for women in the workplace or in sports, women were dressing in an exaggerated way.
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The shift of the female bra. This ties along with the shift of the outlook of women in our society, very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a really interesting topic that I never put too much thought into. I think it will be cool to hear about the history of this change, especially coming from the perspective of a girl. I have to be honest I have never heard of the "nipple bra" before and I don't know too much about this topic in general.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really unique topic and it seems you've already done a lot of research to make this a very interesting and thorough paradigm shift.It's not common to hear about the history of bras and the influence it played during certain times, but you've managed to fine an influential icon and a specific bra going along with each decade.Very well done.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, we've spoken already about your approach, so I simply wanted to chime in here for formality's sake. Interesting progression -- keep up the good ideas!
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