Infra-Apparel

by Richard Martin, Harold Koda

Since the 18th century clothing has tended to reveal its framework and inner layers, blurring the line between the private realm and the public presentation. One generation's hidden structures are another's conspicuous designs; one generation's undergarments are another's flaunted outergarments. From the chemise a la reine that Marie Antoinette preferred over formal court dress to the Express Yourself ensemble of Jean Paul Gaultier, we recognize the indecorousness of visible underwear, the shock of peek-a-boo clothes, the taboo and titillation of holes in clothing.

Genres: Fashion

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures of clothing in which the underwear or under-layers of clothing are either exposed or come to influence the outerwear or outer-layers.

I think the text is unnecessarily fussy and obfuscating at times, but it's still fascinating if you are interested in fashion.

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't necessarily buy the essays, but the photography is glorious.

[Jessica]

Good pictures connecting underwear-to-outerwear fashion trends from 18th century to contemporary, but contains incorrcet/outdated information about tight lacing.