Paris Undressed. The Secrets of French Lingerie

by Kathryn Kemp-Griffin, Paloma Casile (Illustrator)

In the spirit of French Women Don’t Get Fat and Bringing Up Bébé comes the quintessential book about what French women can teach us about the world of lingerie.

American women wear underwear. French women wear lingerie.

French women seem inherently more confident in their bodies, able to embrace the sensuality of life and love. What’s their secret?

Lingerie.

Paris Undressed will help women feel at ease with their figures and show them how to integrate a lingerie lifestyle à la française to enhance their own femininity, confidence, and joie de vivre. It will transform the way women perceive their undergarments ― and their bodies ― and reveal how to co-ordinate a lingerie wardrobe to reflect personality and to meet lifestyle needs with the right dose of reverie. This book goes behind the seams, combining cultural references, expertise, and practical advice to inspire every woman to reconsider her underwear drawer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Self Help

320 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Bloodorange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was, for me, a quick read, but I am happy to say that I found the book much more than satisfactory. The author really enjoyed doing her research, and is taking us along, describing things she did - putting on a 19th century corset, attending burlesque workshops, ripping bras to shreds to see what's inside (think good documentary, not me-myself-and-I writing). This book has a really thorough chapter on wearing stockings and garterbelts, a good one on history, very solid chapters on lace and materials, and pretty good everything else. Beats Cora Harrington's book in every respect, save for pictures.

[Shimista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Replace "underwear" with "lingerie", and spend some time in boutiques. Do it for you. Love it. Read this and get converted if you haven't already been

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun! Part memoir, part guide to lingerie, this was a really great, no-pressure way to start thinking about upping your lingerie game. So many annotations!

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations. They made the book special. Also the red ink used was a fabulous touch of glamour and boldness.

[Rachel McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an journey not just through lingerie but also through the connection between well being and self care. A great education for any woman who has bought underwear reluctantly or begrudgingly in their life instead of invested in lingerie. I wish I had read this when I was younger.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a fun, and fairly quick read, about why lingerie should be (more) important in your life. It is part memoir, part history, mostly self-help. Although the illustrations are okay, I wished there were photographs that accompanied her explanations. I found the "Creating a Lingerie Journal" chapter totally nonsensical and the glossary or "The Language of Lingerie" chapter unnecessary. But I understand that the author is wanting the reader to celebrate her body with the best that one can afford. I doubt I will ever wear stockings and a garter belt with any regularity but I will definitely invest in quality pieces in the future. On that point, she reminded me of Marie Kondo for my underwear drawer.

[Catherine Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read, full of great advice, descriptions of Paris and lots of explanations about underwear and how to enjoy it more.
Parisian women use lingerie to feel good every day, there’s no saving it for best, they wear sensational underwear every day. This book looks at why, how these pieces are as important as others in our wardrobe and explores how we can all take a little of the Parisians attitude and enjoy wearing beautiful undies.
The book is so encouraging and so positive in its message that all women deserve to feel fantastic each day.
Loved the idea of creating a lingerie journal and will be starting a project straight away!

[Maddy Martinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my review of Paris Undressed: The Secrets of French Lingerie on my blog here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2...

This book provides readers with the ins and outs of French lingerie and sensuality, sexuality, and seduction. Kathryn and her husband decide to make a spur of the moment move from Canada to Paris after a coin toss, and that is where Kathryn begins her journey through the lingerie scene in Paris.

We get a really rich history about corsets, lingerie, and the evolution of how women were able to express themselves through lingerie and the numerous uses it provided. As someone who speaks French, I loved Kathryn's abundant use of French terminology and common phrases - it really allows the reader to immerse themself into the journey she goes through.

The addition of illustrations in this book really allows for the reader to understand the visual evolution today's bra underwent, from corset to padded bra with straps, we are able to see its construction and constant reevaluation over the decades.

Walking us through every part of the bra and learning the importance of each piece and how it completes the bra gives readers a new appreciation for quality-made bras, as well as learning exactly which style and type of bra works best for your outfit choice. When Kathryn deconstructed a poorly-made bra and a well-made bra, she was able to understand the underlying details on what truly makes a bra a quality piece.

I find myself relating to this book once again - I have a degree in Neuroscience, and found the comparison of fabrics to sensory receptors eye-opening and truly a unique and genius choice of description. Different fabrics and fibres completely change the game when it comes to creating and wearing a garment, and with lingerie being the most intimate garment someone can own, it is so important to make sure what you're wearing feels the best for you.

I love how Kathryn goes beyond the "underwear" aspect of lingerie - we get to learn and see stockings, holsters, tassels, and more. Her experience in each of these classes that she attends to learn more about the sensuality of lingerie and how women can truly find enjoyment just by wearing it in everyday life. The better you dress, the better you feel, I always say. And if you feel great, your day will surely be just as great.

The addition of French lingerie websites towards the end of the book was a fabulous idea - it allows the reader to not only apply what they have learned through Katherine's experience and lessons from the book to purchasing lingerie, but just viewing the different styles and fabrics in itself is a great way to visualize what you want in your lingerie.

This is a fantastic read for the fashion-inclined, lingerie loving person. I absolutely recommend this to any up-and-coming fashion student or anyone who is curious to what makes lingerie so intimately for you.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning was preachy, the middle informative, the ending just a tad weird for my taste. She did have some good points about dressing to please oneself. To dress to feel good, etc.
In the end, thishis book was informative it was just an okay read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining read. I especially like some of the history of our favorite items of lingerie. As per the title, the setting is in Paris. The top lingerie shops are noted and there is even a walking tour guide to hit all the best shops. An amusing way to start the year.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for everything lingerie, includes extensive explanations, descriptions, and glossaries.

[Kseniya Kosmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

a charming read

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of under garments was interesting.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When do you buy lingerie? For Valentine’s Day? A romantic getaway? A big date with a new lover? Your birthday, or even for your man’s birthday? We splurge on lingerie for special occasions. But the point made in Paris Undressed is that French women purchase and wear lingerie any and every old day, no special occasion (read: sex) required.
Just as the French have a joie de vivre with food & drink, they do too with lingerie. It’s about being enveloped in luxury all the time, appreciating top quality against your skin, and loving yourself enough to feel pampered everyday.
The rest of my review is on https://booksandbrands.ca/2017/02/01/...