Put old bras to good use: build a bra bridge, why not?

Put old bras to good use: build a bra bridge, why not?

Marilyn Monroe's “Fling Bra”--malaprop-riate?

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on 1^st June 1926 in Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Baker. She was later baptized Norma Jeane Baker (the identity of her father is undetermined) . After a few modeling jobs Norma Jeane dyed her hair blonde, borrowed her grandmother's last name, and, in 1946 began using the stage name Marilyn Monroe. She legally change her name on 23^rd February 1956.

At 5 feet 5 1/2 inches tall and weighing between 115 - 120 pounds her shapely figure [measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim); 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's Claim)] caught the imagination of generations. Despite her voluptuous curves, Monroe boosted her bust to a D cup using a bra favored by strippers and burlesque dancers in the 1940s and 1950s. 
 

During the early morning of 5^th August 1962, 36-year-old Marilyn died in her sleep, from a drug overdose, at her Brentwood, California home . She is encrypted at Pierce Bros. Westwood Memorial Park, in Los Angeles.

On Saturday 18th July 2009 London's International Autograph Auctions sold a bra previously "belonging to the professional wardrobe of" Marilyn Monroe. The bra, nicknamed “The Fling Bra, may have been worn by the star while shooting the famous subway grate scene for the 1955 movie "The Seven Year Itch".

This bra, held in a private US collection for 50 years, was part of Monroe’s wardrobe sold in Hollywood in 2005. The lingerie was expected to fetch £2,000 when auctioned alongside an unworn pair of nude, sheer, Christian Dior silk stockings. It brought $5,200 from an unidentified bidder calling in from Hong Kong.

Monroe's bra garnered the malapropic name "Fling Bra" during promotion of the auction. The name was incorrectly heard, picked up by the global media, and stuck. Marilyn's Fling fits her sexy image 67 years later.

Katie Halford, a designer for the vintage lingerie firm What Katie Did, reports, “Marilyn Monroe didn't like wearing underwear and, if she could get away with it, she wouldn't wear any".

Monroe's "Fling" is a sling bra. Designed to enhance the size and shape of her breasts while giving the illusion of not wearing a bra at all.

"The bra looks very complicated at first glance and it actually has four cups inside it," reported Richard Davie, from International Autograph Auctions. "There's an inner cup which is almost hidden, which would support her chest as normal. But then there's another larger cup about an inch further out” providing the illusionary larger size.

Sling bras are worn like modern quarter cup bras that support the breast from underneath and expose the top half of the breast, including the nipple, so that under thin/tight clothing it looks like the woman isn't wearing a bra. Inner Slings are curved strips of fabric, following the natural curve of the bottom of the cup; similar to an underwire, except soft.

Edged with cream velvet piping, the fling bra features a lace design and is sculpted in the cone style of the 1950s. On a technical note regarding vintage bras: velvet trim on the inside of the boning and straps is a luxury feature of couture vintage bras.

This heavy-duty bra--which "perfectly positioned" and enlarged the breasts--was reinforced with extra straps running in a triangle from the center of the bra over the shoulders and vertical 'bone' stays across both cups Underwired slings created impressive cleavage while placement of the straps gave the illusion that Monroe was not wearing anything at all.

This particular Fling Bra may have been worn during the filming of “The Seven Year Itch”, a 1955 American film based on George Axelrod's three-act play. The film was co-written and directed by Billy Wilder, and starred Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell, reprising his Broadway role.

That title phrase refers an inclination to become unfaithful after seven years of marriage. Seven-year itch had been known in the USA since the early 19th century as the name of a particularly irritating and contagious skin complaint. The name was well enough known by 1845 for the condition to be used as a metaphor for all that is annoying. The success of the 1955 film brought the term a new life.

Plot summary: A professional book reader for a publishing company (Ewell) must endure the dog days of a New York summer alone, while his wife and son find themselves at a oceanside resort. To pass the lonely hours, the overly-imaginative book reader fantasizes about a young model (Monroe) temporarily lodging in the apartment upstairs.

The film contains one of the most iconic images of the 20th century --The Flower. Photographer George S Zimbel provides the backstory: "A beautiful blonde in a white dress walks along Lexington Avenue with her "summer bachelor" friend. They walk over a subway air vent as a train speeds by below. The updraft of warm air catches her dress like a parachute. It billows up and up. The guy is flustered, the blonde is surprised. (End of scene.)”.

Zimbel remembers "the night (Sept 11, 1954) I shot Marilyn Monroe".

Fellow photographer George Karger asked the 25 year old Zimbel, "Kid, who would you photograph as the most renowned world figure?" "[H]ow about Marilyn Monroe?" The question was not rhetorical. Marilyn was coming to town and he generously gave me his credentials”.

In 1929 George S. Zimbel was born in Woburn, MA to Morris Zimbel and Tillie Gruzen. Zimbel continues to produce new work and print previously unseen images from his archive. In an era of increased manipulation of the photographic image by computer technology, Zimbel's commitment to the "straight" photograph has become stronger.

Japanese Lingerie: Hadajuban, panthong, and Triumph

Types of Kimono: Hadajuban

Hadajuban is the undergarment worn beneath a kimono attire. So, technically, it is a lingerie. It is name Hadajuban because it is meant to wear next to the skin. Since kimono is always about layering, it is no wonder that you have layers of clothe beneath the beautiful kimono.

Hadajuban is usually worn only with traditional full fledge kimono. And on top the hadajuban a nagajuban is added to give it a more collar definition. So, in this case, you will never see hadajuban worn with a Yukata, the casual kimono.

Other japanese lingerie notes:

"While European lingerie is about being bold, what distinguishes Japanese lingerie is the attention to detail. The amount of effort that goes into selection of fabric, development of a design that guarantees comfort and preparation of a clothing item that not only makes the wearer feel great but also create a powerful visual appeal to the lucky one who get a chance to see it.

Another major influence of Japanese designs has been in how bold the approach is. Several experts believe that thongs may have been revived simply because Japanese women continue to use them and Japanese designers have made them comfortable to wear. Similarly, fishnet stockings are still controversial in many countries but in Japan these are just a little bit bolder than regular tights but definitely not scandalous." retrieved by rmcox on 31 may 2009 from http://www.mynippon.com/gainippon/lingerie.htm.

Japanese lingerie store is an account of lingerie shopping in Japan.

PANTHONG:

"wearing low rise jeans so that panties or g-string can be visible is becoming commonplace. In an attempt to gain a balance between 'old-fashioned' panties and uncomfortable thongs, the Japanese have come up with an answer." The panthong looks like a thong when it peeks over your jeans but is otherwise a conventional low-rise brief panty. INSERT GRAPHIC HERE

CULTURAL NOTE (retrieved 31 may 2009 from wikipedia): Kawaii: "Since the 1970s, cuteness (可愛さ, kawaisa?) has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture, entertainment, clothing, food, toys, personal appearance, behavior, and mannerisms.[1] Foreign observers often find this cuteness intriguing, revolting or even childish because the Japanese employ it in a vast array of situations and demographics where, in other cultures, it would be considered incongruously juvenile or frivolous (for example, in government publications, public service warnings, office environments, military advertisements, and commercial airliners, among many others)."
BRA FUN

Japanese Bras: It’s Really Stuffed, Sometimes With Bread! photo gallery of strange clothing

Pumpkin Bra

I wanted to add this picture of a fun bra--probably not very useful after a couple days--for your viewing pleasure. I'd add the original link if i could remember it. Had some trouble posting this picture when found--bandwidth is necessary & you really miss it when gone...

notes--Wonderbra in the news

items to deal with later:

• lingerie books--several with patterns. The point of this website seems to be attracting people looking for erotica.
• Agent Provocateur Logo Book & Knickers: $75 from House Industries. "When Agent Provocateur first started accosting, arousing and alarming its Soho neighbors in 1994, founder Joseph Corre brandished some lipstick and penned a New York Dolls-esque logo. Since then Agent Provocateur has grown into an internationally recognized lingerie brand that sets the global standard for thinly-clad naughtiness."
• (July 2008) Wonderbra has designed the nipple bra for those who want more than just sexy curves. Ekstase not only forms a stunning cleavage – built-in nipples that show through clothing give that extra, sensual erotic look. Gallery.

Wonderbra is promoting Ekstase as a first, there is evidence otherwise--see the image above.

Nipples or no-nipples. Many women prefer their nipples private and can use products designed to prevent them showing. Products can also be found to display the effects of erect nipples.

Ekstase is currently available for the European market.
Dita von Teese's designs for Wonderbra debut 15th Sep 2008. Here is some "Teeser" video.

• One more Wonderbra item before stopping for the day: Wonderbra UK created a mosiac billboard from thousands (nearly 8000, actually) of customers. Its a neat way to get women involved in the product & made an attractive advertisment. The campaign launches Wonderbra D to G for larger bra sizes.
  

notes

this post contains some loosely related material that needs to be tied together later--I'm going to plant flowers & mow very soon. The Triumph material updates an earlier post that can be linked in here also.

The Undie Award

The Undie Award gives customers a chance to vote for their favorite underwear & to see what real people find comfortable.

eco-fabrics:

"A company in Sri Lanka who manufacture underwear for Marks & Spencer (M&S) claim to have the first carbon-neutral clothes factory in the world."

MAS Holdings, who also produce lacy lingerie for the likes of Victoria’s Secret in the US, have an “eco-factory” which is 90% powered by hydro-power and 10% by solar panels. The site uses 40% less energy than a similar sized factory using regular power sources. Windows are designed to allow staff to work by natural light while “eco-bricks”, designed to keep the building cool, cuts the need to power air-conditioning units in the humid climes of the South Asian nation.

In addition, sweat-shop conditions or child labour, thought synonymous with some larger manufacturers, won’t be witnessed here. The company brands itself by its ethical ambitions. It says: “MAS was doing the right thing before CSR became a corporate buzzword”.

Get your green pants here from the Economist.com's May 29th 2008 edition is a look inside the factory.
Triumph bra design contest:

Divyanka Bedi has beaten two dozen aspirants at a show held recently [Triumph Inspiration Award (India) for her lingerie design] For her award winning lingerie, Divyanka used bright emerald greens, plum reds, and lime greens with exotic motifs such as ivy leaf and poison lips. The collection focussed on seduction and dark fantasies and was projected for a women who believe in being assertive and sexy yet classy and flamboyant.

• "The contest required us to design an under wired bra and brief set inspired by our opinions of female fascination."

• "How much is creativity a criterion while designing lingerie?

When you have less than half a metre of fabric to work with, to design something that has to be worn under another garment, all the while performing the function of providing support and comfort and yet look different from everything else in the market, one requires a lot of creativity to execute that."

Triumph Inspiration Award Malaysia National Finals ‘08 photos by Michael Yip.

Photos from Triumph International's Japan Inspiration Award 2008 (26th May) that are in line with the whimsical fashions of previous years.

Triumph Inspiration Award 2008 website. The site presents a company history and advertising videos from yesteryear. There is a historical overview of lingerie fashion with a section on Chinese underwear.

Plus Size Bras:
Salon.com's Kate Harding's 30 May 2008 post led me to Ashley Stewart's Butterfly collection brings sexy fashion to plus size lingerie. Some coverage of the premier runway event can be found at Sharon Quinn's blog.

Harding's column also mentioned the profession of Dr. Joanna Scurr, a leading authority on sports-related breast movement. Apparently in demand from makers of sports bras.

Bra Fun:
Triumph International Theme Undies posted on Japundit.

A slightly different version of the bizarre bra gallery from November 14th, 2007 by Steve Levenstein

Triumph International Japan's latest bra concept is the environmentally friendly, and green colored, "Solar Power Bra" featuring a solar panel worn around the stomach. While the concept promotes alternative energy production, "the panel requires light to generate electricity and the concept bra will not be in stores anytime soon, said Triumph spokeswoman Yoshiko Masuda, as 'people usually can not go outside without wearing clothes over it.'"

Dream Job Interview--Bra Fitter

Eveden created a game to test your skill determining correct bra size by choosing the bra size for various UK celebrities: Do you measure up?

This game is part of a closed competition for lingerie prizes. You can still have fun pretending to be a bra fitter to pop culture "royalty".

"Eveden Limited are specialists in designing and manufacturing high quality, fashion conscious lingerie and bra-sized swimwear in larger cup sizes."

Company Philosophy

Every successful business has to have a clear purpose and Eveden's aim is to provide a unique combination of the best fitting and most fashionable lingerie for our consumers worldwide

Who are our consumers? We understand that every woman is different but we hope to meet their needs through our five brands.

We want consumers to expect the very best from our brands; we have a totally dedicated expert team to ensure that they will not be disappointed!

They have a well designed website featuring a company history, a short history of lingerie and pointers to their signature brands Fantasie, Freya, Goddess, Fauve, and Elomi.

I found Eveden from a google pointer to the blog "Lingerie Directory UK". The blog has been added to the lingerie blogroll.

Bra Fun

Try out Olga, the Traveling Bra for amusement--be careful of the music playing & the extended load time.

Snopes.com busts the myth about Otto Titzling--inventor of the brassiere.

Update 14 June 2008:

Crazy Facts Corner

* The amount of material it took to fully clothe a woman dropped by 80% between 1911 and 1922
* A hoop skirt was believed to be "the *only* article of clothing which stands a chance of saving you from quicksand."
* In Iowa it used to be illegal for a woman not to wear a corset.

# Today the biggest selling colour is white, while ivory and cream come a close second. Tea rose was a hot favourite from the Twenties right through to the Fifties.
# In 1971 skin tones were bestsellers and were second favourites until about 5 years ago.
# About 20% of sales are on fashion colours

Bra Fun

Check out pogloss's list of the 24 weirdest bras on the internet.

For more lingerie fun check out my earlier post "Panty Fun".

Update 14 June 2008:

Weird bras? how about Bacon? or lettuce?--no tomato yet. From foundshit.com.

I Dreamed ad fun

Maidenform Bra Ad satire--just how much a part of modern culture is the bra....

• I Dreamed I Was St. Francis in My Maidenform Bra


• I Dreamed I Was In A Bra Ad in My Maidenform Bra

And the 2007 Maidenform Bra Ad calendar is for sale--maybe I'll get one....