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Corset

1990s (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Underwear is usually hidden, even in private. Dressing gowns cover up underwear and night clothes, despite the seclusion of the bedroom. Some undergarments, such as this corset by Agent Provocateur are so brightly coloured and decorative that nothing is meant to be worn over the top. Sited in the heart of Soho in London, Agent Provocateur sells daring and glamorous underwear, which takes its inspiration from 1950s sex sirens and pin-up girls. Their tantalising and seductive lingerie carries the clandestine into the realm of fashion. The surface detailing and bold colours of this corset are modern features of an undergarment with a long history.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Machine sewn 70% cotton and 30% viscose satin with cotton lining, machine-made synthetic lace, metal busk and bones
Brief description
Pink satin corset with black lace trim, Agent Provocateur, British, 1990s
Physical description
Pink satin strapless corset edged with ruched black machine lace, and black machine lace covering bust seams. Black satin ribbon bows at bosom and above front black elastic suspenders with metal clips. Lined with black cotton. Metal busk down the front and boned with 14 metal strips. Metal eyelets and black lace (tape) with metal tips.
Dimensions
  • Length: 373mm
  • Width: 646mm
  • Waist measured inside garment circumference: 66cm (Note: Measured by Conservation)
  • Bust measured inside garment circumference: 85cm (Note: Measured by Conservation)
  • Underbust measured inside garment circumference: 67cm (Note: Measured by Conservation)
  • Hip measured inside garment circumference: 82cm (Note: Measured by Conservation)
Width measured when corset laid open and flat; waist-measurement
Marks and inscriptions
Two labels; 'Agent Provocateur / Made in England' Washing instructions (Label; inside back)
Credit line
Given by Anne Steinberg
Summary
Underwear is usually hidden, even in private. Dressing gowns cover up underwear and night clothes, despite the seclusion of the bedroom. Some undergarments, such as this corset by Agent Provocateur are so brightly coloured and decorative that nothing is meant to be worn over the top. Sited in the heart of Soho in London, Agent Provocateur sells daring and glamorous underwear, which takes its inspiration from 1950s sex sirens and pin-up girls. Their tantalising and seductive lingerie carries the clandestine into the realm of fashion. The surface detailing and bold colours of this corset are modern features of an undergarment with a long history.
Collection
Accession number
T.12-2002

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Record createdAugust 20, 2002
Record URL
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