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ABRACADABRA – Life Story of a Bra
If you have ever surfed the ‘bra’ wiki corners of internet then would show you that strapless, padded, push-up, silicon, lace are not the only versions of bras that exist. Bullet, corset, handkerchief too are versions of a bra! Amazed? Wait till you get to know the life story of a bra.
When did the first bra come into existence and how has it evolved till today?
1866
The first ever Bra was made of silk and wire and it appeared in the Great Britain.
1869
Herminie Cadolle from France cut the corset into two parts and made corselet-gorge (that supported the breasts) and soutien-gorge (a bra with straps) and gave the corset a makeover.
1907
The word ‘Brassiere’ appeared 1st time in American Vogue in the history of bras. A year later it got included in the Oxford English Dictionary.
1910
19 year old socialite from New York, Mary Phelps Jacobs sew 2 silk handkerchiefs with pink silk ribbon and cord. Hence, ‘Backless Style’ was created! She later sold the patent to Warner Brothers Corset Company for $1,500.
1917
Since corsets had metal-wired frames, women were asked to stop wearing corsets due to the shortage of metal in World War 1. The brassiere then became the alternative undergarment choice of women.
1920
Brassieres evolved into’ Bandeaus’. They flattened the bust and gave women an androgynous look.
1922
Ida Rosenthal, her husband William along with Enid Bisset created Maidenform. The modern system of cup sizes began from here as an important turn of events in the bra history timeline. The brassiere made during this time enhanced the natural form of women’s breasts.
1930
1930 was the year when a brassiere was popularly known as a bra.
1940
To protect women during World War 2 conical structure bras were made.
1947
1st ever push up style was invented by Frederick Mellinger.
1950
Actress Marilyn Monroe popularized the Sweater Girl look (wearing a bullet style). This led to a sudden boom in the trend.
1968
The famous ‘Freedom Trashcan Protest’ happened during the Miss America Competition in Atlantic City Broadway. 400 women threw their bras, make-up, and hair sprays in the trash can to protest against societal pressure.
1977
Vermont University students Lisa Lindahl, Linda Mille and Polly Smith invented the 1st Sports bra and called it the Jogbra. Made out of 2 jog straps sewn together, it was indeed the talk of the town. Many famous lingerie brands were swooned over by the girls.
1990
Pop singer Madonna made a bold fashion statement at her Blond Ambition Tour. She flaunted her pointy cone cup corset (designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier)
2000
The Red Hot Fantasy Bra, valued at $15 million and made from red satin and hand-cut Thai rubies and diamonds, was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one the most extravagant and expensive items of underwear ever created.
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2013
The launch of Royal Fantasy Bra in recent years worth $10 million amazed the world! Encrusted with 4200 precious stones set in 18-karat gold and a pear-cut ruby at the centre.
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