The History of Underwear in the 18th Century (with Elisabeth Gernerd)

In this episode of Silhouettes, I am joined by Elisabeth Gernerd, 18th century dress historian and author of The Modern Venus: Dress, underwear, and accessories in the late 18th century.

This episode continues our Valentines special season all about the history of undergarments, lingerie and underwear.

‘The Modern Venus’ highlights the significance of this element of a woman’s wardrobe in the 1770s and 1780s, detailing how undergarments played their part in transforming fashionable dress at a time when clothes were expanding to both new heights and new volumes, exploring the socio-political power underwear held.

Listen now to find out how, through the use of a range of contemporary sources, ‘The Modern Venus’ unpacks the importance underwear has had as an overlooked garment, defining not just a woman’s silhouette, but it’s social and cultural influence.

‘The Modern Venus’ can be bought from Bloomsbury publishing at the Bloomsbury visual arts imprint here.

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.

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