This costume was worn in Michael Clark's ballet Because We Must, first staged at Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1987. Because We Must was an ironic, irreverent work which challenged the conventions of dance by introducing humour and unexpected interventions - such as a nude female dancer with a chain saw interrupting a trio of woman dancing to Chopin preludes. This crewelwork costume was worn by Leslie Bryant in a section performed to Venus in Furs by the Velvet Underground. A similar, female, version of the costume (S.102:1 to 3-2010) was worn by Lisa Philips.

These costumes were based on an earlier clubbing outfit design, made and worn by designer and performer Leigh Bowery (1961-1994). He reworked the existing theme - a structured body with balaclava - using the skills of Paris-based corsetier Mr Pearl (Mark Erskine-Pullin), who made the complex garments. Lines of appliqué were used to create a corseted look which still allowed the dancers freedom of movement.