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Not currently on display at the V&A

panty thong

Panty Thong
1978
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Nude panty thong, 'The Thong', by Rudi Gernreich for Lily of France, 1978

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read The bottom line: underwear revealed Ever wondered about the story behind your underwear? Modesty laws, changing fashions, and a desire for comfort have all influenced the design of underwear over time. From the 'porno chic' bra, to the somewhat warmer padded petticoat, take a rummage through our collection and find everythin...

Object details

Category
Object type
Titlepanty thong
Materials and techniques
Nylon and spandex
Brief description
Nude panty thong, 'The Thong', by Rudi Gernreich for Lily of France, 1978
Dimensions
  • Width: 25cm (Note: Measured laid flat.)
  • Height: 25cm
Gallery label
'The Thong' Rudi Gernreich is credited as the inventor of the 'thong'. He designed one as a unisex bathing suit in 1974 when Los Angeles banned nude public swimming. Women could buy an optional top. Gernreich also designed thongs to be worn as underwear. They were made for women from 1975 by the American company Lily of France with the trademark, 'The Thong'. The colour of this thong is termed 'golden nude'. Thong Rudi Gernreich (1922-85) for Lily of France USA, 1978 Nylon and Spandex Anonymous gift(16/04/2016-12/03/2017)
Credit line
Given anonymously
Object history
Registered File number: 2016/158
Collection
Accession number
T.196:1-2016

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Record createdApril 20, 2016
Record URL
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